More dogs go missing on Fourth of July than any other day. Your dog may share your love for America, BBQs and beer, but they don't share your love of fireworks.
Easy ways to enjoy your fireworks and make it less traumatic for your furry friend:
1- Never take dogs to firework display or leave them outside during fireworks
Keep them inside and consider today to be one of those special times when you loosen up on the 'no dogs on the couch' policy. If possible, just stay inside with them.
2- Make sure they're wearing their collars with up-to-date tags
Regardless of you pup's typical athletic ability, this might be the day they summon their inner Usain Bolt and Forest Gump (run insanely fast without any actual destination or plan). This is also another reason a microchip is a wise idea (they're easily provided by your vet).
3- Drown out the sound
Do something to drown out the sounds, which your dog assumes is the end of days.
Options include:
Turn on music or the TV.
Play music that is specially designed to calm dogs by Through A Dog's Ear, which is psychoacoustically designed classical music for pups.
Put on Relax My Dog's YouTube Channel for hours of uninterrupted dog-calming music.
Here's what I like to call their OMFG FIREWORKS Playlist, a full playlist of songs designed to relax and calm stressed dogs during fireworks.
A loud fan or a dehumidifier.
4- Close all windows and curtains
Scared to death dogs sometimes try to jump out windows - even on upper floors. (Again, think Usain Bolt).
5- Distract with games and treats
Play games to distract your dog from the impending doom, and realize that now is no time to be stingy with treats. As you and your stress knows all too well, food has a beneficial effect on brain chemistry.
6- A Schnazzy Thundershirt
These bad boys are designed to provide gentle, constant pressure to help dogs feel more relaxed and secure during thunderstorms (and fireworks).
7- Melatonin
The naturally occurring hormone (that you sometimes take to get sleepy) can work wonders to calm a dog. The dosage is 3 mg for a 50 lb. dog - adjust the dosage by bodyweight (do the math). Other natural calming supplements for dogs including herbs, homeopathics and nutriceuticals are also available at a pet store.
8- CBD Treats or Drops
CBD is derived from either hemp (the rope and fabric stuff) or cannabis (usually the recreational stuff). It can be easy to get, is purported to offer many health benefits for pets (and people), and comes in anything from pills and oils to specialty treats. Often, you will find CBD in the form of an oil that can be given orally, although there are other products like biscuits and capsules easily found online. And it won’t get your dog high, which is good since dogs have an extreme sensitivity to THC. Can be given in the form of treats or drops.