Some dogs are completely unphased by fireworks. Others spend the entire evening pacing, hiding, barking, or trying to climb into your lap.
If your dog gets nervous around fireworks, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. Not in an overcomplicated way, just a few small things that make the night feel calmer, safer, and more predictable.
Tip #1: Start before it gets loud
Fireworks have a way of starting earlier than expected. Try to get the walk, dinner, and bathroom breaks handled before the neighborhood gets too noisy.
A little energy burn off earlier in the day can help too. A walk, training session, puzzle toy, or some backyard play can give your dog a better chance of settling later.
If your dog has severe fireworks anxiety, check in with your veterinarian before the holiday. Some dogs need additional support to stay calm during fireworks, and that is okay.
Tip #2: Set up their safe space
Before the noise starts, set up the spot your dog already knows and likes. For some dogs, that is the couch. For others, it is a quiet bedroom, a covered corner, or their crate.
If your dog is already crate trained, make their space cozy and easy to access. Add a crate pad, a familiar blanket, or something safe to chew or lick.
Tip #3: Avoid these common mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes this time of year is owners trying to introduce a crate for the very first time once their dog is already stressed.
If your dog has never been crate trained, the Fourth of July is not the ideal time to introduce confinement for the first time. Even a heavy-duty dog crate should only be used during fireworks if your dog is already comfortable and properly crate trained.
The same goes for brand new calming tools, routines, or supplements. If possible, test things ahead of time instead of introducing them in the middle of a stressful situation.
Remember: A safe space should already feel positive and familiar before stressful situations arise.
Keep them safely inside
• Do not leave dogs outside during fireworks
• Keep potty breaks leashed after dark
Respond calmly
• Do not punish nervous behavior
• Do not wait until fireworks start to make a plan
One last Note
Fireworks can trigger a fight-or-flight response, causing even dogs that do not normally wander to panic or try to escape. A frightened dog may bolt through a door, slip out of a collar, or try to escape a yard, even if that behavior is completely out of character.
Before the noise starts, double-check that your dog’s collar fits properly, their ID tag is readable, and their microchip information is current.
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