Independence Day is always a great day of celebration. The birth of our Nation is observed with cookouts, family vacations, and of course, fireworks.

Colorful explosions in the sky goes back as far as Independence Day itself. Well, the year after actually, when ship cannons fired 13-gun salutes, military demonstrations and a fireworks exhibition with 13 rockets.

And while we as humans find the fascination with fireworks, big booms, bright colors and pretty sparkles that allow us to “oooh” and “ahhh”, our dogs, don’t usually feel as celebratory as we do.

Did you know that more pets, particularly dogs, go missing this time of year than any other?  The lights and booms can be scary and confusing. So how do you keep them safe?

My friends at Mikaela’s Mutt Motel have a great guide on what to do, or not do, to keep your fur babies calm, comforted and most importantly, safe.  Check out the tips below and if your pet isn’t microchipped, get it done as soon as possible, so that if they do take off in fear, you have a better chance of making sure they make it back home. If you don’t have time to get them chipped, consider putting an air tag on their collars. You can find them on Amazon for as little as $15.

Enjoy the 4th! Have a great time however you choose to celebrate, but keep your fur babies inside where they are safe.

What if your dog is afraid of fireworks?

Lights & Bangs & Booms, oh my!

Fireworks are a fun way for people to celebrate a momentous occasion. However, many of our furry friends are confused and even afraid of fireworks. The flashing lights and loud booms can be alarming especially for a pet that has never been exposed to that experience. In the sections below we will cover how to prepare your pet for a show, what to do with your pet during an event, and resources available in the event you do not see any progress with your pet’s reaction to fireworks.

Before “Bombs Bursting at Night”

• • Preparing a safe place for your pet to relax is a great way to help with a fear of fireworks. The safe place should be as far from outside as possible (perhaps in the basement or a room in the center of the house). Put your pet’s favorite toys and beds in the room to ensure maximum comfort. As the dog becomes more comfortable in the safe place they will be more likely to return there during a show.

Walk your pet during daylight hours to avoid having to be outside when the fireworks are going off. If you have a high-energy pet consider a jog/run prior to the evening to tire your pet out and they may sleep through the show.

• Always consult with your licensed veterinarian prior to administering any supplements or medications to your pet! Consider giving your pet calming or CBD treats or melatonin. Always consult with your licensed veterinarian prior to administering any supplements or medications to your pet! These calming aides may help your pet relax once they take effect during the show.

During the Fireworks Show

• During the fireworks show keep your pet distracted by playing with them (but do not force them to play if they are not willing as this may exacerbate the issue). Play time with parents will keep your pet focused on fun instead of concerned with the booms and bangs outside.
• Close all of your windows and curtains to help muffle the sounds and flashes of the fireworks. The same way you keep the sun out when you are trying to sleep in, blackout curtains can help subdue the loudness of fireworks.
• Playing a calming TV show or radio station for your pet during the fireworks show. The fan favorite at Mikaela’s Mutt Motel is Dog Music Radio on Pandora. If your pet is in a playful mood you could even throw a dance paw-ty and crank up the tunes a little louder.

Other Resources for Fear of Fireworks

Have you tried everything you can think of and more but still do not see improvement in your pet’s reaction to fireworks? There are other options available that may aid you in calming your pet.

• Professional dog trainers use methods such as positive reinforcement and behavior modification to desensitize your pet to the sounds and lights of fireworks. Our training partners at Legend Acres – Tennessee may be able to help. You reach them via their website, email (info@legend-acres.com), or phone (931-516-3064).
• As a last-resort, you could consult with your licensed veterinarian about prescribing sedative medication to be administered during fireworks events. As with any medication, dosing and delivery instructions should be followed strictly.