Animal Radio Article

Fourth Of July Safety Tips For Dogs

Fourth of July fireworks are dazzling for people, but not always for dogs. Many dogs are afraid of fireworks and some even develop a phobic response. To help keep your dogs safe this Fourth of July, consider the following tips:

If you’re not sure how your dog responds to fireworks, don’t leave him home alone on the fourth. Dogs with firework phobias can easily panic and injure themselves. You want to be home with your dog to supervise his behavior. July fifth is one of the busiest days for shelters, when people go looking for dogs that escaped in a panic.

If you can’t stay home with your dog, keep him confined and make sure he can’t escape. Close the windows, crank on the A/C and turn up the television or radio to help block outside noise. Then give him a wonderful chew bone to concentrate on.

If you’ll be home with your dog, make sure he’s good and hungry when the sun goes down. Have wonderful treats, and keep him busy working and playing for snacks as fireworks blast in the distance. Play all his favorite games and teach him that big booms predict great things. Don’t coddle him if he seems worried. If he’ll eat a treat, it’s better to spend your time reinforcing his desire to eat, rather than thinking he looks pitiful.

Don’t take your dogs to a public fireworks display. Hearing them in the distance is different from being at a show. Over exposure to the sights, sounds and smells of fireworks can create a phobia in some dogs.

If you know or discover that your dog is afraid of fireworks, find a qualified trainer who can help you. Keep in mind that dogs that are afraid of fireworks often struggle during thunderstorms and on New Year’s Eve, too.

Over-the-counter products such as rescue remedy or melatonin may help, but in extreme cases, you might need to work with your vet to treat the phobia pharmaceutically.

For more 4th of July and other training tips, check out caninestein.blogspot.com

• Back to PETS 911 homepage
• Visit Animal Radio