FIREWORKS SEASON IS HERE: SUPPORT YOUR SOUND SENSITIVE DOG!
Original Post June 27, 2022
WAYS TO IMPROVE OUTDOOR SAFETY AND INDOOR CALM.
In July 2019, in her 4th of July Blog post for PumpkinPups, Kizz Robinson Lead Trainer for PumpkinPups classes asked the reader:
“What one day of the year are the most dogs lost in the US? If you guessed the 4th of July, you're right!”
Unless you know your dog is bomb proof in the presence of loud booming sounds and chaos, leave them home and/or stay home with them on the 4th.
When it comes to outdoor safety, we have a number of tips in our blog series about dogs that are flight risks. We want you to be prepared if sudden fireworks turn your usually happy go lucky pup into a nervous wreck who wants to run away as far and as fast as possible.
Make sure your dog has identification tags on their collar and is wearing it. A microchip is not enough to get your dog back ASAP. A good Samaritan must get your dog to a vet’s office to be scanned. Part One: ID Tags and Microchips
Make sure your dog’s collar and harness fit snuggly. Use a connector to attach the harness and collar to each other and to the leash. Part Three: Safety with Leashes, Tethers and GPS Trackers
If your dog is new to you, you don’t know how they will react to fireworks.
Don’t get blindsided by a pup who is anxious and suffering. Be prepared for all eventualities.
Make a Safe Room for your dog for the 4th of July – and any other time there are lots of big noises that cause your furry friend to shiver and quake. When noises strike, show your dog these options and see if they gravitate to a special place.
This could be:
a closet
a basement or lowest level of your home
a bathroom
a bathtub
behind the toilet
under a bed etc.
Acclimate your dog to calming music and/or pheromones in advance of fireworks or storms. Start using calming aids now. Get some Adaptil spray, treats with L-theanine in them, we recommend Composure Pro, download Through A Dog's Ear music. Start using these things now so your dog feels relaxed before the surprises of 4th of July celebrations.
A Thundershirt – some dogs love them instantly – some need to be acclimated to wearing one.
A dog bed sprayed with Adaptil spray, if your dog will use it.
A box fan or smaller fan if you have a small space. Set this up to blow into the corner of the room or at the source of the sound. The moving air changes and softens the sound waves and seems to help dogs more than a white noise machine.
Make sure your dog has access to a bowl of water and a beloved toy. If they will use it, give them a food puzzle.
Time your walks to the quietest times possible. If your neighborhood has fireworks going on for many nights, see if there is a pattern and avoid the loudest times and only take your dog out when they really need to eliminate.
If your dog is hugely distressed by fireworks or thunderstorms consult with your vet about prescription medications and try the medication when nothing is going on to make sure it is effective in calming your dog. If it’s ineffective or makes the dog more anxious you don’t want to discover that during a scary situation.
And comfort your dog. Petting, soothing, and comforting your dog will not reinforce their fear any more than someone comforting you when you are scared will make you more scared. For many dogs, being close to us and being calmly pet is a big help. If your dog prefers to be on their own then allow that.
WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SAFE 4TH OF JULY!
- Viviane, Alison, Julie, and Kizz
