Dogs and Fireworks

With the 4th of July around the corner, let’s talk dogs and fireworks.

1. Keep your dog away from fireworks.

-Create a safe and comfortable place within the home. This should be a place your dog is use to and comfortable with. Not confined and trapped.
-Do not use a new space as a comfort zone, rather a place they are used to. This should be a space that they have normal access to, while still providing comfort, such as their dog bed, clothes that smell like the owner, and have access to regular toys.
-Set off fireworks in an area away from the dogs if going inside is not an option. If your dog is normally in the yard, then consider moving your displays to the front yard, or partner with a neighbor and do them there.
-Consider background noise to counter the fireworks. This could include a movie, white noise, or music. You can start this process early to help learn what background noise they like most.

2. Make sure they have proper ID.

-Make sure your pet is microchipped, has tags, or a GPS tracker. For cats, consider breakaway collars incase they hang on a fence.
-Have a recent photo of your pet in case they get out. This can help you quickly post online, or share with neighbors and humane societies.

3. Tire them out before the fireworks start.

-Take walks earlier in the day and set play time before fireworks begin. I know this can be a busy time, so an extra visit from your dog walker is always an option. A trip to the dog park, hike along a trail, or just extra backyard time is great as well.
-Consider feeding and letting them out earlier as well. This will help from them needing to go out right in the middle of the noise and show. That potty break could cause further problems, not just with behavior, but even accidents in the home due to fear of going out.

4. Desensitize them to fireworks.

-This is a process that should begin earlier in the year or pets’ life. Do not attempt to do it during the firework season.
-Expose them to small doses early and build up over time.
-Reward them for positive reactions. Find your dogs sweet treat- be it a toy, food, or praise.
-Do not punish for negative reactions, but redirect. Punishment can cause their own issues. Redirecting bad behavior is more likely to cause a long-term positive outcome than negative corrections.
***Before attempting to help your dog get use to fireworks, it is best to speak to a canine behaviorist, training, or veterinarian on how to do this so to avoid negative outcomes.

5. Consider stress treatments.

-Use canine anxiety vests or calming supplements.
-Speak with your vet, trainer, or behaviorist.
-Consider using a pet sitter to stay with your pet while you attend the show, or a trusted friend. This could also be an opportunity for a responsible teenager to make a few extra bucks.

6. If your dog is in panic mode.

-Focus on safety. Do not worry currently about the panic.
-Trying to deal with the panic now could make the situation worse.
-Your dog may attack and hurt you, or themselves, if already in fight or flight mode. Just monitor and keep them safe. Talk calmly, and reassure them its okay and you are there. This could be as simple as sitting on the floor and talk to them while they hide in their bedding.

7. Reasons dog panic at fireworks.

-It creates a threat. Fireworks tend to explode and cause surprise, and can be loud. Their also a noise that is not common throughout the rest of the year.
-Not properly exposed. If they are not use to the noise, or have been desensitized prior, they may react with fight or flight.
-Learned behavior. They see other dogs and animals react and copy that behavior. Monkey see monkey do.
-Breed characteristic. Some breeds are genetically inclined to be skittish and this may just be a part of their character,
-Traumatic Experience. It is possible your dog has been abused, or had an experience with loud noises in the past. This can be especially true of military and police dogs that retire and become adopted as house pets.

At the end of the day, if your not sure of how to handle a situation, seek advice. A veterinarian, canine behaviorist, or dog training can be great source for information and guidance.