The 4th of July, or any holiday that involves fireworks (looking at you, too, New Year’s Eve) can be a particularly stressful time for our pets, specifically for dogs that have noise anxiety. Fortunately, there are some basic management techniques that can help your pets make it through the festivities. Here’s what you need to know about dogs and fireworks:
Make Sure Your Dog’s Tag and Microchip are Up to Date
If your pet’s ID tags have been worn smooth or haven’t been updated with current information, get out the Sharpie and write your contact information on the inside of the collar. Additionally, make sure your pet’s microchip is updated with your current address, contact information and emergency contact.
Even if you normally take off your pet’s collar in the home, consider leaving it on during peak noise and activity times. The Sharpie trick won’t help if the collar is hanging on a coat hook when your dog bolts out the door.
Keep Your Dog Inside
Keep pets inside the house, in a crate or closed off area, away from high-activity zones. If you just plan to put your pets in a back bedroom, make sure the window is secure; pets have been known to bust right through window screens, and even windows, if they panic. Tape a big piece of cardboard over the window if necessary.
And even if you’re headed out somewhere, leave your dog at home. Even well-behaved, well-socialized dogs can get easily overwhelmed in big, noisy crowds with bright lights bursting thunderously overhead. Even well-behaved, well-socialized dogs can get easily overwhelmed in big, noisy crowds with bright lights bursting thunderously overhead.
Consider Medication or Calming Products
Take your pup out for a long walk well before the festivities start, so that he’s tired and more inclined to sleep than panic. Make sure he has a safe place to retreat, a Thundershirt or a TTouch wrap to provide calming pressure, a stuffed Kong to keep him distracted and a human to provide comfort and reassurance.
If you have very noise-sensitive or -phobic dogs, talk to your vet about possible medications or supplements to help keep them calm during the worst of the fireworks.
What to Do After the Fireworks
After the fireworks are over, and before you let your dog out into the yard, scan the ground – firework detritus can be sharp as well as poisonous and nobody wants to spend the holiday weekend at the emergency vet. Fireworks can also disorient wildlife, so keep an eye out for stunned birds or small mammals that can’t fly or run away from your pets.
Have a happy and safe holiday!