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The 4th and 5th of July are the busiest days of the year for animal shelters and emergency vet clinics as frantic animals break in or out of houses and yards. Early preparation for the Fourth can save you and your pet a lot of grief.  Here are some methods you can use to prepare your dog. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Purchase a CD of fireworks noises and play at low levels during meal times and play times. Gradually increase volume each day to help your dog acclimate to the sound of fireworks.  You can also play the CD and give your dog a treat each time a firework

This is just like what Pavlov did with his dog and the bell.  You are using classical conditioning to change your dog's association to fireworks.  With enough conditioning, your dog will associate fireworks with good things instead of bad.

Management

If your dog is crate-trained, we recommend leaving them in their crate during the fireworks, with a really special treat.  Don't skimp and give them the same-old dry biscuits, purchase a frozen raw Buffalo Bone (found at local stores, such as Western Feed and Animal Nutrition Center) or stuff a Kong with a frozen mixture of extra special treats that will keep your dog busy and happy (freezing makes it more challenging for your dog, so the treat lasts longer). 

Move your dog's crate into a room with a fan and/or television or radio that is played at a moderate level, to drown out the majority of fireworks noises.

You can spray the inside of your dog's crate with DAP Comfort Zone, a calming pheromone found at most pet stores.  DAP Comes in a diffuser and a spray.  The spray is great for concentrated areas like a crate or car.

We don't recommend taking your dog with you to the fireworks displays, since a frightened dog in a panic is difficult to control and more likely to bite in fear.

Medication

Some dogs just aren't able to cope and sedation is the best course of action for them.  Talk to your vet early about the risks and benefits of sedating your dog. Be sure to first give your dog the sedative on a day/evening that you are home as a trial, so you can monitor him for any adverse side-effects before the Fourth.

Avoidance

Mac was so panicked by fireworks, that he would break down screen doors and frantically race through the house looking for a way out. So, we just headed to the hills every Fourth and escaped the fireworks and the heat.  This eventually became a tradition and we were joined by many of our dog-loving friends who also wanted to get away. 

Plan a dog-friendly Fourth by taking your pooch hiking, camping or even just a relaxing day by a mountain stream.  If you time your return just right, you can still see some great fireworks displays (without the noise) from the road as you head back into the valley.

Puppies

New puppy owners, this is your opportunity to prevent the bad associations to fireworks that cause these problems!  Forego the barbecues and fireworks demonstrations this once to teach your puppy that fireworks are nothing to fear.

When the fireworks start, take your puppy to a spot where they can hear the explosions, but are still feeling safe enough to take treats (If your normally food-motivated puppy is not taking treats, they are too frightened/stressed and you need to find a less-stressful area to start).

For each firework that explodes, tell your puppy "Good!" and give him a tasty treat.  Again, this is not the time to skimp on treats.  Get something really good like boiled chicken breast or natural hot dogs (look for those that don't have added hormones or fillers). 

When the grand finale starts, have 10-15 pieces of treats at the ready and feed them to your puppy in rapid succession.  This not only distracts your pup from all the noise, but is creating a positive association to fireworks noises "Yay, fireworks!  I get treats!"

An Ounce of Prevention....

Is it a lot of work to make your dog safe and comfortable on the Fourth?  It can be.  But spending a little extra time and money to prevent the injury and/or loss of your pet is minor compared to the alternative!

When I adopted Parker, I used every opportunity to expose him to fireworks and make it a good experience. This New Years' Eve, I forgot about the fireworks displays and rushed home to make sure Parker wasn't hiding in the corner in fear.  I found him snoring away on the bed, totally unconcerned with the fireworks exploding outside the window.

A little preparation can go a long way.

-Lisa Mullinax

Related Articles/Sites

Fear of Fireworks - From The Paw Print

Fireworks: Help For Your Dog

Fireworks Phobia

fearoffireworks.com

July 4th Displays Often Frighten Pets - LA Daily News

Dog Fear of Fireworks, Thunder and Other Loud Noises