Happy Birthday America…it’s the 4th of July. In the greatest country in the history of the world, we like to blow up things and make pretty fireworks.

Unfortunately our pooches don’t take kindly to these VERY noisy kabooms. I have consolidated some tips to help our loved dogs from freaking out completely…

From www.paw-rescue.org…

Humane societies and shelters typically take in more stray animals during the Fourth of July holiday because many pets are scared off by fireworks. Below are some tips to help pets cope with outdoor noises.

Don’t take pets to events with fireworks.

If fireworks are being set off nearby, or if you’re having guests over for a holiday celebration, find a quiet, secure place to keep your pets. Darkening the room can help. Crating is also a good idea — place the crate in the quietest part of the home. Make sure you put safe chew toys in the crate to occupy and distract the pet during the event. You can close the curtains and turn up the radio, CD player or TV to drown out noise.

Do not leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard, anytime when fireworks might be set off in the distance.

Rather than cuddle a frightened dog, try to distract the dog from the disturbing noises with physical activity such as playing ball.

Remember that scolding or coddling a scared dog will not help. Scolding will scare and confuse the animal, and coddling serves to reinforce fearful behaviors. Instead, assume your pack leader role and act confident and unbothered by the noise and activity outside. You can give your pet a gentle massage, or use Tellington Touch techniques (see the T-Touch Dog Tip on the PAW website) or even just place your hand calmly on the pet’s head.

If the sounds and lights of fireworks frighten your dog, here’s an innovative technique from the most recent issue of “Unleashed! The Pet Care Forum’s Newsletter for Dog Lovers” (www.vin.com/PetCare/Dogs.htm). Make an “anxiety wrap” using an adult or children’s T-shirt. Put the dog’s front legs through the arm holes, then knot the hem over the dog’s back. This technique is related to the massage and Tellington Touch therapy approaches. Wrapping fabric around an animal can give the pet a feeling of greater security.

From www.About.com – desensitizing your dog through training…

If you have some time before the 4th of July or an anticipated fireworks display in your neighborhood, you can begin getting your dog used to the sounds. This is referred to as desensitization, and it can be done in a few simple steps:

Find a video or recording of fireworks.
Play the video or recording at the lowest possible volume a few times during the day.
Pair the sound of the fireworks with things your dog likes, such as treats, meals, cuddle time, or a game of tug-of-war.
Slowly begin to raise the volume of the recording or video over the course of several days, and continue to pair the sound of fireworks with good things for your dog.
If at any point your dog begins to show signs of fear, turn the volume down to a point where he feels more comfortable.
Repeat this several times each day until your dog can hear the sounds of the fireworks at a fairly high volume without becoming fearful.

Tags: 4th of july, dog rescue, fireworks

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