Independence Day is full of excitement – fireworks, BBQs, summer fun… this holiday is a blast for humans! However, your dog might not feel the same way. On average, humans can only hear between 20 hertz and 20,000 hertz… but dogs can hear sounds between 40 hertz and 60,000 hertz. This makes fireworks a painful and sometimes frightening experience for canines. When dogs are afraid, they bark, hide, or sometimes they run away to escape the noise. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, thousands of dogs run away on the 4th of July every year.
How can you help your dog enjoy the 4th of July? What can you do if your dog is afraid of fireworks? How can you keep your pup safe on Independence Day?
Here’s what you need to know.
Safety Tips
- Do not take your dog to see the fireworks. Even if you are seated far away from where the fireworks are being launched, your dog could get startled and try to bolt at any moment. It’s not worth the risk!
- Early in the day, get your dog plenty of exercise. Whether you take a series of long walks together, enjoy a splash in the water, or have a fun play session, the movement will help release excess energy that can contribute to your dog’s anxiety later when the festivities start.
- If you won’t be home during the fireworks, take safety precautions. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, unplug unnecessary appliances, and create a safe space for your pooch. If possible, it’s also a good idea to hire a pet sitter to keep your dog company!
Creating a Safe Space
Whether you will be home with your pooch during the fireworks or not, creating a safe space in your home can be beneficial to reducing your pup’s anxiety.
- Close the curtains or blinds. This helps reduce sensory distractions coming from outside such as flashes of light and people out and about celebrating the holiday.
- Turn on the television, music, or a white noise machine to drown out the sound of the fireworks. Studies have shown that classical music, soft rock, and reggae genres are especially soothing to our furry friends!
- Set up your dog’s bed and lay out some chew toys, preferably Nyla bones. Chewing can help relieve stress, and toys made of tough materials like Nyla bones won’t easily break apart into tiny pieces that would otherwise become a choking hazard.
- Consider using an anxiety wrap made for dogs. These are essentially like weighted blankets that can be soothing – but make sure you use one that is designed for canines! It is also important to ensure that the wrap is put on properly, and that your pooch has been acclimated to wearing it before you use it in times of stress. Veterinary Centers of America has an informative blog about using anxiety wraps here.
If your pooch has high separation anxiety in general, signing up for professional dog training is the way to go! A professional dog trainer can help your pooch to face their fears with confidence. Once your pup’s anxiety is addressed, behavior issues that stem from it such as aggression or tearing up furniture tend to go away too. What’re you waiting for? Contact us today for our quality dog training services, and fetch training that sticks fur life