Here we are two days away from July 4th and your excitement about celebrating our nation’s independence may be hampered by the possibility that your dog is going to freak out. Just like thunderstorms and other loud (very) noises, the sound of fireworks may elicit fear. How exactly does that fear look? Read on for signs and symptoms of stress induced by fireworks, how it affects your dog’s body and some tips to make it through the 4th of July, happily!
Fear induced behaviors:
- Shaking or trembling
- Destructive behaviors
- Aggression
- Incontinence
- Howling, whining, barking
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Pacing the floors
- Clingy behaviors
- Fight or flight (trying to run away)
Thankfully for a fearful dog, 4th of July only comes once per year however, there are probably some other environmental or social stimuli that produce the same results so – you should be aware that this fear/stress can wreak havoc on your poor dog’s body in the following ways: increased heart rate, increased cortisol levels, high blood sugar, gastrointestinal upset, allergic skin reactions from chewing on feet and/or other areas of the body and overstimulation of the central nervous system. Just like us humans, stress causes many problems for our dogs!
How you can help your dog get through the 4th of July
Aside from sedating your dog, (which you may have to do) there are some things you can do to minimize stress during the festivities of 4th of July. First of all, keep yourself calm. Your dog feeds off of your energy so keep it positive. Keep your dog inside and provide for a safe environment – meaning, give the pooch a place to seek refuge. You can use a crate, an indoor tent, a bed or table to hide under… you get the drift? Also, try to block out the noises and sounds associated with fireworks. By putting on the television or radio, you are helping to create some white noise. This is important if you’re at home but especially if your dog is home alone. When you walk your dog, or let him out in the yard be prepared for the very likely possibility that he is going to take flight. Your best bet is to walk him on a leash EVEN in your back yard. It’s important to make sure your dog is tagged and/or micro-chipped with your most recent contact information in case your dog gets away from you. This time of the year, too many dogs hit the streets trying to escape the perceived fear of fireworks. There are many natural calming products on the market for you to help get your dog through this holiday. Try Rescue Remedy as we discussed in an earlier post. The healing power of flower essences, aromatherapy, and massage can all be implemented during this stressful time for your dog. Here’s to a safe and happy 4th of July!
