It’s the 4th of July weekend and the first weekend that we are able to celebrate Independence Day after Covid-19. I expect that many people will celebrate a little extra this year. Traditionally that means including fireworks into this celebration.
Fireworks are fun as long as you incorporate safe usage practices. For Pets and veterans on the other hand fireworks can be very scary and can trigger a lot of stress responses by the loud noises. The Veterans Affairs Clinic at Madigan Hospital sees many veterans. It's important to remember that fireworks can impact your entire neighborhood. An army veteran friend said that because of their training and exposures to combat it can trigger veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
For our pets these same Fireworks and loud bangs can cause a lot of stress. I have seen cases where dogs will go through a plate glass window, run through a storm door or jump through the screens in front of the windows. Remember that a dog’s hearing is 10,000 times more sensitive and acute than ours. So if it’s a big bang for us just imagine how your pooch experiences it.
Here are 10 tips to keep you pet more comfortable:
Keep your pooch indoors and cover the windows with a soundproof curtain or cover their crate with a sound proof blanket.
Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of the fireworks.
Put on some music or the tv to mask some of the noise.
Ignore the fireworks yourself and don’t pay any attention to it. Paying attention to it yourself will show the dog that the loud noises mean something.
Walk your dog in the morning, most people start celebrating in the afternoon and evening.
In severe cases with anxiety and stress consult your veterinarian. Talk to him or her about pheromone diffusers. They will dispense a calming chemical into the room. Also he could prescribe some anti anxiety medication.
NEVER punish your dog when he shows sign of stress. That will only make it worse and can damage your relationship with your pooch.
Prevent your dog from escaping. Make sure your pooch is chipped and has a collar on with ID tag in case he would break out and run away.
When you go and visit friends and family to celebrate and decide to take your pooch with you NEVER leave him or her unattended in the car. It’s summer and even with 70 degree weather, in the sun the temperature in your car will raise to above 120 degrees. Temperatures of F105 can be fatal for our dogs. Also remember that the pavement is hot and can burn our dogs paws. Check with the back of your hand and hold it against the pavement for at least 20 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
And last seek help with a behavioral consultant that can help you with addressing stress related issues and reduce future risks and potentially harmful behavioral responses.
By implementing these tips you will have put you and your dog up for more success. Now I wish everyone a Happy 4th of July and be safe out there.
Bart de Gols