Happy Fourth of July!
The Fourth of July is an excellent time for celebration, but it can also pose challenges for our furry friends. Nearly half of dog owners claim their pet is sensitive to loud, sudden noises, and fireworks can be a powerful trigger for anxiety. The signs of anxiety, which should not be ignored, include panting, pacing, and shaking. By understanding their needs and implementing some positive strategies, we can help our dogs have a more comfortable experience during this fun and festive holiday!
Exposing your pup to loud noises at a young age is the best option, but you can also expose them to loud noises even when they are older by getting them out into the world, where unexpected noises are routine, which can help build their tolerance. Whether you take them for walks around the neighborhood or your local park, sudden noises are bound to occur. Over time, with careful exposure, your dog will learn that there is no reason to associate these sounds with danger, avoiding unnecessary stress responses. If you want to take exposure therapy up a notch, you can make it sound-specific. Gather some recordings of the sound of concern (perhaps from YouTube) and play them for your pet with increasing intensity over a couple of weeks. This process will effectively desensitize and make these noises more familiar. If this option interests you, there are professionals out there who organize such training programs. Trust them with the specifics!
Patriotic Dog
Another strategy is creating positive associations, which can be done in conjunction with exposure therapy or independently. Giving your dog rewards—in the form of treats or play—following loud bangs can help replace their fear with a sense of safety and satisfaction. Further, having a designated space to retreat to helps them feel safe. And that does not mean the spot under your bed they bolt to when scared; this means a place they are comfortable, such as the crate they sleep in or the bed they lounge on. Ensure the dog can enter and exit this space as they please and, if you can, close the curtains or place a blanket over the crate to block any flashes from the fireworks. Then, you will limit the stressful stimuli to one.
While medication can certainly be a valuable option for our furry friends, it's essential to consider its limitations, including finding the right fit, its short-term nature, and the associated costs. However you choose, taking a proactive approach to our pets' well-being can truly enhance their lives! By showing them our love and support, we can help alleviate their stress and ensure they feel secure and happy. As we embrace this fun and celebratory holiday, we hope these insights help you create joyful experiences for your pups, allowing them to be part of the festivities and feel the warmth of our affection.
Happy 4th, everyone!
Fourth of July Fireworks
Sources:
”Canine Anxieties and Phobias: An Update on Separation Anxiety and Noise Aversions” by Barbara L. Sherman and Daniel S. Mills
”Therapy and Prevention of Noise Fears in Dogs—A Review of the Current Evidence for Practitioners” by Stefanie Reiner