More pets run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year. That’s no surprise when you think about it — the fireworks start booming and something triggers in most dogs. Normally calm pups start to freak out and there’s nothing you can do, right? After all, fireworks are something you just can’t stop come Independence Day — they’re as reliable as the weather itself.
But it turns out there are things you can do to keep your best friend happy during the explosions. Here are 5 techniques and products that will help keep many dogs (not all!) calm during fireworks.
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- Shelter. What do humans seek when the sky seems like it’s falling? That’s right, shelter. Your pet is no different. One simple accommodation is a travel kennel. Place it in the quietest recess of your home as a go-to spot when the cacophony starts. Put in a few blankets, perhaps, to muffle the vibrations. Remember: introduce your pet to the kennel’s presence before the fireworks begin! Pictured below is a great value choice from Amazon with more than 1200 customer reviews. And a visit to Petsmart will give plenty of options for big dogs too. (Petmate’s Amazon selection is big and super pro, though on the pricier side.)
- Getting Used To It. That’s right — no matter how uncomfortable things make us, the more we try them the easier they are to endure. If you play a recording of fireworks for your dog before the big day, many will be able to acclimate themselves to the sound. It won’t be quite as loud, but the effect should soften the shock when the fireworks start exploding. Here’s a YouTube link to a Macy’s Fireworks display that will help.
- Medication. Talk to your vet. Again, people and their pets have plenty in common. Want to sooth a savage situation? Try tamping down the sensitivity with medication for the occasion. A sedative that works for your pup will also act as a sedative for you — since your pal will remain at ease during the fireworks.
- ThunderShirt. Besides having the coolest name for a product this side of the Marvel Universe, the patented technology in a ThunderShirt Anxiety Jacket really works for many dogs — according to purchasers and more than 6,000 customer reviews. The one below, available at Amazon, “applies gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over excitement” and is “backed by science.”
- Storm Stress herbal remedy. Hey, it’s an herbal solution a little like when humans drink a cup of tea. Customer reviews on Amazon are strong, including a moving story of a “scared Redbone Coonhound” — a rescue dog whose fear was alleviated by the HomePet Storm Stress. You’ll also see similar, competing products when you visit the link below.
- Shelter. What do humans seek when the sky seems like it’s falling? That’s right, shelter. Your pet is no different. One simple accommodation is a travel kennel. Place it in the quietest recess of your home as a go-to spot when the cacophony starts. Put in a few blankets, perhaps, to muffle the vibrations. Remember: introduce your pet to the kennel’s presence before the fireworks begin! Pictured below is a great value choice from Amazon with more than 1200 customer reviews. And a visit to Petsmart will give plenty of options for big dogs too. (Petmate’s Amazon selection is big and super pro, though on the pricier side.)
