I don’t know about your dog (if you have one that is) but our dog Espn (pronounced “Es-Pin”) FREAKS OUT when he hears thunder and fireworks. As much as I love the fourth of July and seeing the sky light up with every color of the rainbow, I dread the evening with our dog. I swear, if he could crawl inside my skin he would. He is usually all over me the most because I’m with him pretty much 24/7 since I work from home. Dealing with a frantic dog whose heart is going to explode out of his chest is NOT fun and really puts a damper on the evening.
Fireworks are the most thrilling aspect of the Fourth of July for people while at the same time terrifying dogs. The danger signal fireworks send to dogs and the reaction it stimulates can be lethal. Nationwide, animal control services cite a 30 percent increase in lost dogs reported between July 4th – 6th and an increase in chained dogs left outside that have inadvertently strangled themselves in reaction to loud fireworks. Can you imagine that? That is horrible! I cannot imagine a dog in such a panic that it would strangle it’s self just to escape the loud sounds. It really makes you think twice about setting off fireworks near your pet doesn’t it?http://www.blackbeltdogtraining.com) and for his national nonprofit organization Bound Angels.org.“The reality is that fireworks are part of the holiday celebration so it is incumbent for dog owners to know how to prepare and deal effectively with the situation.”
Robert Cabral’s offers 10 Tips for how to help your dog cope with Fourth of July Celebrations that I thought some of my readers would find to be valuable information.
“Loud sounds are a trigger for dogs to run or panic,” says Robert Cabral, a Malibu-based dog trainer / behaviorist known for his “Black Belt Dog Training” (
Other reactions, Cabral adds, include dangerous stress levels and out-of-control panting.
1. Do not leave your dog alone, especially outside during fireworks displays. If you absolutely must leave your dog, leave a TV or radio playing.
2. Do not coddle or hug your dog if your dog becomes scared or distressed – this tends to make dogs think that their actions are justified. Be strong, talk in a normal tone and remain indifferent to the noise.
3. Do find an alternative to the noise, be it playing an instrument, listening to a news program or playing an entertaining DVD. This can serve as a positive distraction for your dog.
4. Do keep all windows and doors closed to keep the sound out.
5. Do not take your dog for a walk during fireworks celebrations.
6. Do feed your dog long before the time for fireworks.
7. Do give your dog a special toy to play with during fireworks.
8. Do make sure your dog keeps a normal schedule the day of the fireworks.
9. Do plan to keep your dog away from strange dogs or dogs that may excite him during the
fireworks.
10. Do keep your dog away from unfamiliar people before and during the fireworks.
I know that in worst case scenarios a vet can prescribe something but I would rather opt for more natural and holistic means to keep our dog calm.
For more information on Robert Cabral and Black Belt Dog Training, please visit www.blackbeltdogtraining.com.
With proper planning, says Cabral, the Fourth of July can be a safe and fun holiday for pets and their owners.
*I was not compensated in any way for this post. I posted this information for the benefit of my site readers. Any opinions expressed are my own.
~Sherie~ says
Makes me even more glad that I don't own a dog.