Fireworks Fears? Help Your Dog Stay Calm This Fourth of July

Fireworks Fears? Help Your Dog Stay Calm This Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a festive time filled with barbecues, parades, and, of course, fireworks. While these activities are fun for humans, they can be quite stressful for our canine companions. As a professional dog trainer specializing in positive reinforcement, I understand the importance of preparing your dog for the barrage of loud noises and excitement that can come with Independence Day celebrations. Here’s how you can best manage your dog during this time and begin preparing them now, a little over a month before the big day.

Why Dogs Fear Fireworks

•  Fireworks are LOUD and your dog’s sense of hearing is very acute!
• Fireworks are unpredictable, which can trigger your dog’s flight instinct to get away from danger.
• With fireworks are huge amounts of light your dog is not accustomed to seeing in their everyday life.

This combination all at once can be very traumatic for not only our dogs but some people too!

This fear can manifest in various ways, including:

• A sudden alertness
• Excessive vocalizing (whining, barking, etc.)
• Flattening their ears
• Refusing to go outside
• Attempting to escape
• Restlessness
• Shaking or trembling
• Panting
• Hiding
• Becoming extra clingy

  To help your dog cope, it’s crucial to start preparing them well in advance.

Preparing Your Dog for the Fourth of July

• Create a Safe Space

Designate a quiet, secure area in your home where your dog can retreat if they feel scared. This space should be away from windows and filled with your dog’s favorite blankets, toys, and perhaps an item of your clothing for comfort. Introducing this space now will help your dog feel safe and familiar with it when the fireworks begin.

• Routine and Exercise

Maintain a regular routine to provide a sense of normalcy and security. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the days leading up to the fireworks. A tired dog is generally less anxious and more likely to rest during the evening.

• Calming Techniques

“Self-soothing” techniques involve helping the dog calm down through sniffing, licking and chewing.  Get your dog used to enjoying a calming treat in the evenings leading up to the event and if you start in advance, you can find which are their favorites.

Long-lasting treats for dogs can keep them entertained, mentally stimulated, and can help reduce anxiety or boredom. Here are several suggestions:

Stuffed Kong:  A classic option that can be filled with various treats and then frozen for an extra challenge. Here are just a few stuffing ideas:

- Peanut Butter and Kibble: Mix peanut butter with kibble, stuff it in the Kong, and freeze.

- Yogurt and Fruit: Blend plain yogurt with dog-safe fruits like blueberries or bananas and freeze.

- Pumpkin and Apple: Combine canned pumpkin (unsweetened) with apple slices and freeze.

Puzzle Toys:  Toys like the Kong Wobbler, Outward Hound's Nina Ottosson puzzle toys, or Snuffle Mats can be filled with treats or kibble. These toys require the dog to work for their treats, providing distraction and mental stimulation.

Bully Sticks:  These are natural, long-lasting chews that can keep dogs busy for quite a while. They are fully digestible and come in various thicknesses to suit different chewing intensities.

Antler Chews:  Deer or elk antlers are durable and long-lasting chews. They don't splinter like some bones and can provide hours of chewing pleasure.

Frozen Treats:  Frozen treats can help an anxious dog by encouraging licking, which has a known calming effect.  Because they are frozen, they last longer, providing prolonged distraction and soothing.  Here are a couple of ideas:

- Broth Popsicles: Freeze low-sodium chicken or beef broth in ice cube trays for a cold, tasty treat.

- Frozen Carrots or Green Beans: These are healthy, low-calorie options that can take some time to chew through, depending on your dog.

Marrow Bones:  These bones can be filled with a variety of fillings and frozen for a long-lasting treat. Ensure you choose appropriately sized bones to prevent choking hazards.

Stuffed and Frozen Toys:  Similar to a Kong, other stuffable toys like the West Paw Zogoflex Tux or the Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball can be filled with treats and frozen for a longer-lasting challenge.

Natural Chews:  Natural chews like bully sticks, collagen, and pig ears as examples are beneficial for dogs because they provide mental stimulation and a natural outlet for chewing instincts.  They can also promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

- Pig Ears: These are chewy and can keep dogs occupied for a while.

- Beef Tendons: Long-lasting and good for dental health.

- Collagen Chews: A great alternative to rawhide and is easier to digest.

When choosing long-lasting treats, consider your dog's size, chewing strength, and dietary restrictions. Always supervise your dog with new chews or toys to ensure safety.

4. Check Into Anxiety Aids

Consider using anxiety wraps, such as a ThunderShirt, calming pheromone diffusers, supplements or natural remedies.  Many have found these can help reduce your dog’s anxiety levels.

Pheromones: Dog-appeasing pheromones such as Adaptil® mimic the natural pheromones that a mother dog produces to comfort and reassure her puppies, creating a sense of well-being in dogs. It’s available as a room diffuser, spray, or collar and can help your dog’s firework anxiety.

Anxiety Wraps: The ThunderShirt behaves similarly to a “hug”, applying even pressure across the torso. Reviews show it may or may not work in the moment when your dog is panicking. But many owner admit, it’s a “can’t hurt, might help” option.

Calming Supplements: There are many on the market that also may or may not help your dog. I recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

5. Consult Your Veterinarian

In severe cases or if you have any concerns, consult your veterinarian about possible medications to help your dog cope with the stress.  Do this in advance of the anticipated events so you and your veterinarian have time to come up with the best plan for your situation.

Start Preparing For Next Year

It’s never too late to start!  By working with a professional trainer experienced in this area, you can start preparing your dog for next year or other celebrations by using Gradual Desensitization, Positive Associations and other techniques best suited for your situation and your dog. Click Here if you would like more information or need some help.

Tips for the Day of Celebration

•  Keep Them Indoors

On the days when fireworks are expected, keep your dog indoors during the times you expect the fireworks to happen.  This will prevent them from running away or getting injured. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the sounds and reduce the visual stimulation.

•  Exercise Your Dog

Engage your dog in plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during the day to help them relax in the evening. A tired, sleepy dog may not be as likely to pace or pant through the house. On days of scheduled fireworks, you can play plenty of fetch, take your dog to the park for high-energy, enrichment activities or go for a long walk. Just make sure you’re back before the festivities start!

•  Background Noise

Play calming music or turn on the TV to provide background noise that can help drown out the sound of fireworks. There are even specific playlists designed to calm dogs.

•  Sooth and Distract With Treats

Above we discussed the “Self-soothing” techniques to help your dog calm down through sniffing, licking and chewing.  Start bringing those out just before you expect the celebrations to begin to help get your dog in the frame of mind.  I suggest having several or several different types prepared and ready to go incase your neighborhood is particularly noisy throughout the day. 

•  Time For The “Safe Space”

Now is the time to be sure you dog has access to their Safe Space we talked about earlier, pair that with their favorite chews, long-lasting treats and background noise to best help them through the noise.

• Stay Calm

Dogs often pick up on their owner’s emotions. Try to stay calm and composed to reassure your dog that there is no reason to be afraid.

• Identification

Ensure your dog is wearing an up-to-date ID tag and that their microchip information is current, just in case they manage to escape.

• Plan A Get-Away

In severe cases, if nothing else seems to help, it might be best to plan on going somewhere you know will be quiet.

Preparing for Extended Celebrations

With the Fourth of July falling on a Tuesday this year, it’s likely that celebrations will extend over the weekends before and after the holiday. Continue to implement the strategies mentioned above throughout this extended period. Consistency is key in helping your dog manage their anxiety.

Paws for Thought

By starting now and taking a proactive approach, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure during the Fourth of July festivities. Remember, each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience and positive reinforcement are your best tools in ensuring your furry friend has a safe and stress-free holiday.

By following these tips and preparing in advance, you can help create a safer and more enjoyable Fourth of July for both you and your dog. If you have any specific questions or need personalized advice, feel free to reach out to me. I'm here to help you and your canine companion have the best holiday experience possible.

Happy Fourth of July!

Milinda Riester, Owner

[email protected]

Moving Forward Canine