Safety First on the 4th of July

I always knew that Shadow was a special dog.  She just got me.  She loved going everywhere I went and was so unobtrusive, people often didn't even know she was there. She even seemed to enjoy big public gatherings with music and fireworks.  When we lived in Davis, CA, the firefighters would stage a lovely fireworks show for the entire community on the 4th of July and Shadow and I would always attend together.  I know this is not something that most dogs would enjoy doing. In fact, I know many people for whom events like this are anxiety-provoking. For many people, and for the majority of pets, the festivities associated with the 4th of July, particularly the fireworks which often begin several days before the 4th, are cause for vigilance and alarm.  The county I now live in allows fireworks and usually there is a big celebration at the county fairgrounds.  Because of COVID-19, there will be no big fireworks show this year, but people can still buy fireworks for their own use.  In the neighboring county, however, fireworks are illegal, but that doesn't seem to stop people from setting them off in their neighborhoods anyway.  I have one friend who actually books a hotel room out in the middle of nowhere with her dogs for a week right around the 4th of July because her anxiety, and her dogs', requires that she do so.  If your dog suffers around the 4th of July as well, there are a few things you can do to help ease their discomfort, even if you can't escape completely.

1.  Don't get angry or frustrated.  If your dog gets anxious, you frustration will just reinforce their anxiety.  Be kind, supportive, and proactive--get them out of the situation as gracefully and confidently as possible.  They need to see that you aren't anxious or upset as well; you will get them to safety without panicking.

2.  If you know your dog is noise sensitive, just assume that fireworks displays, even in the distance, will be too much for them.  Keep him indoors and use fans, TVs, stereos, white noise machines, etc. to help blot out the booming sounds.  Close drapes and windows as well.  Your dog will likely still be able to hear the fireworks, but they will be greatly muted by these actions that you can take.

3.  If your dog is really panicky, get them into a bathroom.  Bathrooms tend to be very well-insulated from sounds.  Turn on the bathroom fan and sit with your dog if you like. Bring a book and just hang out.

4.  Don't let your dog outside to go to the bathroom without wearing their collar, ID tags, and a leash.  If they panic and get away from you, you want that collar and tags on them so that you will be quickly contacted when they are found.  I've known more than one dog to panic and escape from their yard without ID on the 4th of July.

5.  While we only have a few days left until the 4th, you can also try some desensitization exercises with your dog to prepare them. This is particularly useful for new dog owners who have not gone through a holiday like the 4th of July with their pet previously.  Bring up the sound of fireworks on your computer, phone, or on the TV.  Start at a very low volume and gradually increase the volume, helping your dog to see that this is no big deal.  Keep in mind that real fireworks are about sound AND lights, so these exercises really only work on the sound component unless you are using your TV and your dog actually pays attention to it!

6.  You can certainly try a Thunder Shirt for your dog, although most people find that they have limited success with just using a Thunder Shirt by itself. You may need to speak with your veterinarian about an anti-anxiety medication just to get your dog through this holiday.  You will, however, want to stay away from any medication that makes your dog woozy as that will just increase their anxiety; you will want to work with your vet to pick a drug that actually makes them tired so that they will sleep peacefully through the holiday.  Keep in mind that you will need to contact your veterinarian today as most take a few days to fill prescriptions.

7.  Probably the most important thing you can do is talk to your neighbors.  Let them know that you have an anxious dog and enlist their help.  If your immediate neighbors can resist the urge to set off firecrackers, that will help your dog immensely.

8.  And finally, many people have had success giving their pets CBD based treats to reduce anxiety and promote calmness.  If you'd like to learn more about this holistic alternative, visit www.treatibles.com.

I am very fortunate that Desi and Ozzie are not particularly noise sensitive.  In fact, we've recently had someone in our neighborhood setting off firecrackers several times in  the middle of the night, and I'm the only one who woke up!

As always, if you have questions about your pet's behavior, you know where to find me.

While Westley is not a fan of garbage trucks and the sounds they make, he isn't particularly concerned about fireworks.  Good thing too as fireworks are allowed in several Orange County cities, though not in Irvine, where he lives with my daughter.