Dogs, Fireworks, and the Fourth of July

Woofs! Barks! GRRRRR! GROWLS!!!!!! HISS! HISS!

Firecrackers!

Fireworks displays!

Bottle rockets!

Sparklers!

Careless humans!

Are all to blame for the loss of several barking friends over the years around this time of the year! What? You say? Did you know that more dogs, cats too, go missing during the July 4th celebrations with all their horribly loud noises and the extreme flashes of light are not your dog's best friend- not even a close cousin!

Barks, to your dog, these noises and light flashes of fireworks are unlike other loud noises, such as thunderstorms, because they are closer to the ground, louder, brighter, and have nasty burning smells. Barkingly, thunderstorms come on gradually with related signs; fireworks do not. Since dogs experience the world through noses, eyes, and ears, fireworks can be a pawsitively overwhelming time for them! WOOF!! These frighten dogs causing them to run and hide.

A few barks of preparation will keep your dog safe, sound, and happy! My humans plan to be home with me, Samson, and Abby making sure we have pawlenty of treats, snacks, and water! We'll pawssibly watch music concerts or TV shows without any loud booming noises from the 4th celebrations. Dad will typically turn up the volume a bit, so it tends to drown out any neighborhood fireworks. Barks. Sometimes, I will curl up in my crate not too far from Mom and Dad. Abby likes to go to the basement, Dad's studio, and lay on the couch. She says it's her safe spot and likes it best. Samson, as you know, cats will do what they want when they want, and will find his spot where he does! Woofs!

If you are going out, consider having a friend stay with your pets. My uncle Ed loves to stay with us when Dad needs him. Barkingly, Doggie Day Care could be an option for your dog too! If you make arrangements unfamiliar to your dog, take him there a few times ahead of his stay.

Woofs, Dad will let us out in the backyard and take us for walks earlier than normal on the 4th. Paws, the loud noises of fireworks may cause dogs to jump fences or take off running, so be pawpared. Abby tends to want to pull on the leash more than she normally does, so we go early to avoid the pawblems.

Barkingly, putting a comfortable, tight-fitting T-Shirt on your dog is a pawsome way to help them feel secure. Paws, you can buy a Thundershirt, which has proven to be a pawcellent method for helping dogs relax.

Paws, if your dog seems to have a barkingly rough time with the fireworks, paw with his Veterinarian for solutions. A Veterinarian can offer sedation methods and ideas which would help the dog relax. These methods should be checked out ahead of time so you’ll both be prepared and there will be no surprises.

Barkingly, if you expose your dog to these noises in a positive manner at an early age, like 3 weeks to 3 months, you may be able to de-sensitize them. I recommend asking a dog trainer for ideas to assist with this.

BARK! The most important thing you can do for your dog is to stay relaxed! Don’t fuss with your dog during fireworks, as it just reassures them it’s a time to be afraid or apprehensive. Accept the situation and do your best to make your dog happy and comfortable.