Thursday 28th March 2024

Fireworks… most of us love them. But for dogs, it’s a whole different story.
Dogs commonly become anxious or fearful around loud and unpredictable noises- which would certainly include fireworks that take place on, and around, Independence Day, according to a news release from Dr. Sarah Nold, staff veterinarian at Trupanion. Dr. Nold suggests three things to consider to help your pet during the Independence Day fireworks celebrations.
1) Make sure your dog has access to a familiar environment- whether you’re at home with them or not- where they will feel most secure. This could include:
– their kennel; your bedroom; or a gated-off area where your dog spends a lot of their time.
2) You can also leave the television or radio on or just turn on a fan in the room to help sound-sensitive pets get through the evening.
3) Body wraps, pheromone diffusers and calming collars may help some dogs. In severely anxious dogs, anxiety medication could be necessary.
Talk to your veterinarian to determine what treatment, or often a combination of treatments, are best for your dog.
Additional tips to consider:
Beat the Heat: If your Independence Day plans involve being outdoors with your dog, make sure your pet has access to shade and plenty of water throughout the day.
Barbecue Buster: Nothing says Independence Day like firing up the grill, but avoid the temptation of feeding your dog table scraps which can cause a serious stomach ache. Beware of bones and corn-on-the-cob as well to avoid any unexpected trips to the veterinarian.
Keep identification on your pet at all times: Unfortunately, many pets get lost during the first week in July, especially on July 4.
Even if you follow all of these tips, your stressed pet may find a way to get out of the house. You are urged to keep an ID on your pet with updated information.