Your Dog and Fireworks: How to Keep Them Calm
If there were one day of the year that a dog could dread more than any other...it’d be the 4th of July.
More dogs get lost on the 4th of July than any other time of the year. Yikes. That means that the 5th of July is the busiest shelter day of the year. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 lost pets go missing after being scared by hearing the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms or loud noises.
To make matters worse, according to ASPCA, only 15-20% of dogs make it back to their owners after they are lost and picked up by a shelter. So while we’re ogling the sparkling display, our dog might be looking for a way to bolt at the very sound of each and every firework.
Dogs experience the world through their senses, so it makes sense that the loud pops, bangs, fizzles and screeches can cause stress and anxiety. Not to mention, the unpredictable bright flashes of light can also be alarming.
Signs of distress
Here’s how to gauge if your dog is distressed by fireworks:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Pacing
- Hiding
- Decreased appetite
- Abnormal urinations or defecations
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive grooming
What you can do
Tips for keeping your dog safe and calm:
- Keep your dog indoors
- Give your dog a comfortable and calm place to relax
- If you plan to take your dog out of the house, make sure your dog’s microchipping is up to date and visit FoundAnimals.org for more information.
- Provide dogs with stimulating treats, toys or distractions and always keep an eye on bully sticks if they are not secured in a Bully Buddy device.
- If you take your dog outside, keep them on a short leash at all times and never leave them unattended outside.
- If your dog has a history of anxiety around Independence Day, talk to your vet today about medications that might be appropriate to help your dog cope during this time of year.
Safety is our mission at Bow Wow Labs, so check back often for more fur-friendly information about how to be and stay safe with your pets all year long!
