Fireworks, Dogs, and the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great celebration for our country. While the fireworks and festivities can be something many people enjoy, the noise and commotion of this holiday can be unpleasant for many dogs. Not only are loud firework displays frightening, changes in weekly routines, guests visiting for picnics or parties, and neighborhood fire-crackers and bottle rockets can also be stressful. Here are a few items to keep your pet as safe and comfortable as possible during this annual holiday.

Safety Considerations First

If you have a dog that is severely stressed by loud noises, you will likely be using a variety of management approaches to maintain its safety throughout the year. Dogs that have high levels of anxiety are not always good at thinking clearly. They can bolt out of doors and windows, jump fences, and escape cars, collars, and leashes. Owners need to be particularly thoughtful and "on their game" when triggers may be present, such as during this holiday.

One of the greatest concerns is that a pet will escape and be on the run where it can get injured, or remain running for long periods of time (some dogs have been lost for months after the 4th of July). Identification is paramount! All dogs should have both a collar with an owner's contact information, AND a micro-chip (that is properly registered). In the event your dog goes missing, identification is the single most important measure to increase the chances of a happy reunion. Posting on social sites and/or PawBoost can also be helpful.

Easy Solutions - If They Work

Other than random fire-crackers and bottle rockets in neighborhoods, most firework events are planned. If you live near an event where noises will definitely cause issues, perhaps you can avoid the problem altogether. Visiting friends or family that live in quiet areas can be one alternative. Otherwise, an evening road trip in the country for 1-2 hours can keep a dog settled.

For dogs that are only slightly stressed, distractions can often do the trick. These may include competing noises like TV or music. Distracting activities can also help, such as playing with a ball, or chewing on a favorite toy/treat.

While there are many products available online for stressed pets, no product is a magic cure for all! The following products IME seem to have a 50% success rate for dogs with moderate anxiety...

1. Thundershirt - This well made wrap provides soothing pressure around a dog's upper body. For some dogs with mild to moderate stress, this can have a positive calming effect. If purchased from the manufacturer, they offer a 45 day money back guarantee.
2. Bach's Rescue Remedy - Many trainers find this natural blend of flower extracts can reduce stress in dogs. The liquid (drops) work best, and should be ingested, or can be rubbed for absorption in a dog's ear.
3. Solliquin - This newcomer is from a well respected company (makers of Cosequin). It has been getting good reviews online.

Long Term Solutions

While everyone likes easy fixes, as a trainer I wish to remind that not every anxious dog can be fixed with a pill or product. Leadership and training go a long way toward helping any anxious dog. Leadership builds trust which can make all the difference in seeing a panicked dog listen, think, and calm. And training builds focus, which can provide competing mental distractions when dogs are getting anxious. Dogs are horrible at multi-tasking.

Well trained dogs can also move toward advanced objectives as well! Agility work can build confidence and reduce many anxieties. And good obedience is a helpful foundation if working on desensitization of specific triggers. Dogs can amaze in their ability to learn. A mind that is learning is always calmer and less anxious.

Pharmaceuticals

Finally, veterinarians can write prescriptions for a number of medications that may help a stressed pet. While this an easy fix, IMHO many scripts are unnecessary. Including leadership and training as part of daily life should be the starting point for all anxiety remediation. Adding some of the options outlined above can provide further assistance. If these things are not helping, then a prescription (available through any Veterinarian) may be worth a trial.