Fireworks Frenzy

The 4th of July is a time for celebration, but for dogs in Southeastern CT, it often means stress and anxiety. A quick visit to CT’s list of fireworks for 2024 shows that your dog is likely to be exposed to professional fireworks, regardless of where you live.  Fireworks are a sensory overload situation for dogs, causing fear and discomfort. Let’s dive into how our furry friends perceive fireworks and explore ways to keep them calm and secure during the festivities.

Super Sensitive Hearing: A Dog’s Perspective 

Dogs have incredible hearing and the loud, sudden noises of fireworks can be startling and distressing. They can hear sounds up to four times farther away than humans, so while it may not be local to your ears, it is to your dogs.

Fear Factor: The Full-Spectrum Experience 

The combination of loud sounds, bright lights, and strange smells can be overwhelming even to the calmest of critters. Dogs experience fireworks as a multi-sensory attack and that is what leads to fear and anxiety. Our understanding of this experience can help us to empathize with their reactions.

 

Behavioral Signs of Stress 

Recognizing signs of stress early is key to ensuring your dog has the best experience possible. Dogs show fear in many different ways.  They may hide, tremble, bark excessively, pace, or try to escape. Some may also experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or loss of appetite. Knowing these are clear signs of stress allows us to intervene and provide comfort to our babies.

Preparing a Safe Haven 

Creating a safe, quiet space for your dog is such a great way to provide a sense of security. Choose a room with minimal windows to reduce noise and light exposure. Fill it with comforting items like their bed, favorite toys, and some of your worn clothing.  Being in a smaller, closed space, will help them to feel more secure.  A covered crate is great for this! 

Noise Reduction Strategies 

To minimize the impact of all that extra sound and light from fireworks, close all windows and doors, and use heavy curtains or blankets to block out light and sound. Playing calming music, having a bit white noise, or using a sound machine can help mask the noise. You can also pull up a youtube video like this, or a just search for Dog Radio and you’ll find plenty of options.

Calming Tools and Techniques

Calming wraps or vests, which apply gentle pressure and can help reduce anxiety, work surprisingly well with a lot (not all) dogs. Giving your pup a gentle massage or using pet-safe calming sprays and diffusers can also help to ease their nervous system and provide some relief.

Engaging Distractions 

Don’t let your dog get bored!  Keep your dog active and focused on something fun. Puzzle toys, interactive feeders, and long-lasting chews can divert their attention from the fireworks. Indoor games, practicing obedience training, or learning new tricks can also be helpful distractions.

Natural Calming Remedies 

There are so many natural ways to help our pets.  Discuss with your vet about natural calming remedies such as CBD (this is our local provider and preferred vendor, use” barksandrec” at checkout for a discount), calming treats, or supplements like L-theanine and melatonin. These help reduce anxiety without the need for prescription medications.

Medication for Severe Anxiety 

For dogs with anxiety that needs a bit more help, your vet may recommend medication. It’s important to have a discussion with your vet well in advance of the 4th of July to determine the best course of action and ensure your dog responds well to the medication.  Be sure you have your Pet First Aid ready, a scared jump could cause a broken nail.  Better to be prepared!

Keeping to a Routine 

Maintaining your day to day routine can provide a sense of normalcy and security for our habit driven friends. Maintain regular feeding times, exercise routines, and bedtime schedules as best you can. A familiar routine can help your dog feel more grounded amidst the chaos.

Spread Awareness 

Help to educate others in Southeastern CT about the impact of fireworks on pets. Please speak to your local community and government to encourage them to consider quieter celebrations or alternatives to traditional fireworks. You can’t know what you don’t know, and oftentimes it’s not a lack of caring, but a lack of understanding.  One of the best ways to protect our pets, and all the critters inside and outside of homes, is by sharing what we know.

The 4th of July doesn’t have to be a nightmare for our furry friends in Southeastern CT. Now that you understand how dogs experience fireworks, you can take proactive steps to minimize exposure, set them up for success, and then to comfort them and ensure they feel safe and secure while the scary bangs light up the sky. 

Here’s to a pawsitively peaceful Independence Day for all our beloved pets!

Barks & Recreation provides dog walking & more, daily from 9-4pm, to pets in Southeastern CT.  We’d love to connect to talk about how we can be your pets back-up besties!