4th of July Pet Safety

[TaggRep]

Happy almost 4th of July!

With the loud and festive holiday (fireworks!), what are some ways to keep dogs calm and also safe?

Cheers,
TaggRep

**Opinions here are my own and don't necessarily reflect those of my employer.

[Wiztherewoz]

Make sure they're already walked and home before the fireworks start, and that they've been out to relieve themselves.

Keep them indoors. Keep the curtains shut, keep the lights on, turn up the volume on the telly, settle in with them and relax, emit an "everything's perfectly normal and not worth getting worked up over" kind of attitude. Don't overfuss the dog if and when he reacts to the fireworks. Let him go to a place he feels safe, if that's what he wants to do, but don't follow him cooing and fussing, leave him be. Show him there's nothing to worry about by acting like there's nothing to worry about. Set a good example by staying calm yourself.

You can give them a nice bone or a kong, something they'll enjoy concentrating on to distract them. Or a favourite toy.

There are calming herbal supplements that might help too. Or even meds from the vet if the dog is liable to get very distressed.

It depends on the individual dog as to what will work best to keep them comfortable, but this is generally the way to help anxious dogs during fireworks.

[sheltieluver]

All my dogs do is bark I usally do what Heather said and fill a kong with peanut butter. I keep a few in the freezer at a time and only use them for things like when I have company,thunderstorms, fireworks or when I have to run the sweeper.

[ltret0294]

I have used Rescue Remedy, Alcohol Free Formula, for Zeke. New Year's Eve, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day are not his favorite times. First pop, whistle of a firework and he is ready to hunker down. I grab him tightly and put a few drops on his paw pad. Trying to give it to him by mouth is hopeless.
I'm sure there are other calming items. Pet stores may have something less expensive than the Rescue Remedy. Keeping them preoccupied as Wiztherewoz suggested/does is also good.

[TaggRep]

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I like the idea of keeping the dog distracted with a treat or a toy, it makes sense and will keep them more pre-occupied than with the loud noise. Also acting calm as if the Fireworks aren't even happening seems to encourage the dog that everything is alright.

Thanks again for the replies!