* Avoid keeping your pet in the yard. Fearful dogs will try to dig, jump or climb their way out of the yard to escape the noise. Many dogs get lost and end up in the shelter this way.
*Make sure that your pet has proper ID in the event that he/she gets lost. Consider microchipping your dog.
*Avoid the temptation to take your dog to fireworks shows or outdoors. A fearful dog could bolt and get lost. Fearful dogs can also get reactive and may react to people and other dogs around them. Play it safe, keep them at home.
*Keep your pets indoors and provide a secure place for your pet stay in. This can be a crate or a quiet, pet-proofed room in your home that does not receive as much outside noise. Dogs can try to chew their way out of an area when scared so make sure it is a secure area. Close your windows and front door to shut out outside noises.
*What if you have a new dog or puppy and this is their first 4th of July? Make it a fun time. During those hours when fireworks happen (usually 9 p.m. to midnight here in Los Angeles), play games with your dog. Play fetch or tug of war. Give your dog an interactive toy to play with or work on a Nina Ottoson interactive puzzle with your dog. Click here for examples. This will keep your dog's mind off the noises outside and on the games you are playing. Here is an example of my dog working on a Tug-A-Jug, she is so preoccupied with working on this toy, outside noises are unlikely to distract her:
*Consider playing music or keep the T.V. on as background noise. There are music CDs that have been created specifically to calm dogs. The following website, "Through a Dog's Ear" is an example. Here is a link with some music samples: http://www.throughadogsear.com/samples.htm
*Alternative remedies: For mild cases, some dogs respond well to flower essences and homeopathic remedies. Bach's Rescue Remedy for pets is one of the older brands out there and can be found in natural pet stores: http://www.rescueremedy.com/pets/ . For homeopathic remedies you can consult with a homeopathic veterinarian for suggestions and dosage instructions.
*Another calming product is Dog Appeasing Pheromone that can be sprayed on your dog's bedding or as a room atomizer. It is usually sold in pet stores under the brand name "Comfort Zone."
*Body Wraps: some people have reported success with body wraps which in effect "swaddle" your dog. In her book, "Help for Your Fearful Dog," Nicole Wilde discusses a variety of methods of doing this and the proper way of introducing your dog to a wrap. In addition, there is a product called an "Anxiety Wrap" that is a body vest designed to achieve the same result. However, you would need to first acclimate your dog to the vest before a storm or fireworks so your dog does not react negatively to wearing the vest. So, this may be an option to consider if other methods do not work and you have time before next year's holiday to work with your dog on wearing this item.
*For severe cases talk to your vet: For severe cases of anxiety or if your dog is at risk of injuring himself/herself, prescription medication may be necessary to keep your dog calm and safe during this holiday. In such cases, it is best consult with your veterinarian before the holiday.
My akita has mild to moderate anxiety to fireworks. I make sure that he is in a pet-proofed room with the T.V. on and the windows closed. Sometimes I will distract my pet with toys and games he likes to play.
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Perhaps you should just send him out to make people stop blowing off fireworks. He would scare them all into their houses. ;-)
ReplyDeleteTomo is a big baby when it comes to fireworks!
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