The Fourth of July can be a really scary time for pets! It can also be a really stressful time for pet owners. In addition to the loud fireworks, many pets have to deal with all of the craziness that comes from family events. Children, strangers, a break in routine, loud noises, and strange sights/smells are common things that can really upset your pet! Here are some of my tips for getting Fido through the holiday.
Desensitize your pet to loud noises: Fireworks aren't the only loud noises on the Fourth of July. People noises (laughing, children playing, etc), music, and even firetrucks can add to the chaos! Do you and your pet a favor and be proactive. Find recordings of fireworks and other noises on YouTube (you can also buy dog training CDS specifically for desensitization). Play the recording on a really low volume while your pet is eating a meal. Over time slowly increase the volume. The idea is to create positive association with the noise. But we need to start at a level that is comfortable for the animal, and work our way towards the desired volume.
Provide your dog with chews and treats to keep them occupied: Licking and chewing releases feel-good chemicals that actually help to calm dogs. Keep Fido busy with a raw bone, special treat, or stuffed chew toy. My personal favorite trick is to freeze a stuffed Kong. Cap off the smaller hole at the end of the Kong with peanut butter, 100 percent pumpkin, or cream cheese. Then fill with treats, water (I like to mix some water with a small amount of peanut butter/ yogurt/ pumpkin/ cream cheese to make "flavored water"), kibble, etc. Freeze overnight and you get a solid chunk of fun that will keep your dog busy for awhile! You can also get a treat toy (my personal favorite is the Omega ball-a rubber treat ball) and fill it with your dog's favorite goodies.
Keep your pets contained on the big day: Sadly, Fourth of July is one of the most common days to lose pets. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter and July Fifth was one of the busiest days of the year. Scary fireworks can send pets running, and visitors and/or children can accidentally leave doors open. The best thing to do is keep your pets (especially cats) locked in a secure room away from guests. Dogs can be placed in crates or exercise pens. Limit the time your dog is outside to essential potty breaks only. And ALWAYS keep him on a leash when he isn't in a securely fenced yard! Even if your dog is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G off-leash, it isn't worth the risk on firework day. Leashes save lives! Also, it is also never a bad idea to double check your fence to make sure it is secure. A loose board or cleverly concealed hole may be an unfortunately convenient escape route for your pet.
Get your cat or dog a thunder shirt: Thunder shirts are amazing products that use compression to help calm animals. They make multiple sizes for cats and dogs. Most pet stores sell the dog version, but many are starting to carry the cat shirts as well. Tip: If your animal tries to chew on the shirt, spray it with bitter apple to make it taste gross!
Desensitize your pet to loud noises: Fireworks aren't the only loud noises on the Fourth of July. People noises (laughing, children playing, etc), music, and even firetrucks can add to the chaos! Do you and your pet a favor and be proactive. Find recordings of fireworks and other noises on YouTube (you can also buy dog training CDS specifically for desensitization). Play the recording on a really low volume while your pet is eating a meal. Over time slowly increase the volume. The idea is to create positive association with the noise. But we need to start at a level that is comfortable for the animal, and work our way towards the desired volume.
Provide your dog with chews and treats to keep them occupied: Licking and chewing releases feel-good chemicals that actually help to calm dogs. Keep Fido busy with a raw bone, special treat, or stuffed chew toy. My personal favorite trick is to freeze a stuffed Kong. Cap off the smaller hole at the end of the Kong with peanut butter, 100 percent pumpkin, or cream cheese. Then fill with treats, water (I like to mix some water with a small amount of peanut butter/ yogurt/ pumpkin/ cream cheese to make "flavored water"), kibble, etc. Freeze overnight and you get a solid chunk of fun that will keep your dog busy for awhile! You can also get a treat toy (my personal favorite is the Omega ball-a rubber treat ball) and fill it with your dog's favorite goodies.
Keep your pets contained on the big day: Sadly, Fourth of July is one of the most common days to lose pets. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter and July Fifth was one of the busiest days of the year. Scary fireworks can send pets running, and visitors and/or children can accidentally leave doors open. The best thing to do is keep your pets (especially cats) locked in a secure room away from guests. Dogs can be placed in crates or exercise pens. Limit the time your dog is outside to essential potty breaks only. And ALWAYS keep him on a leash when he isn't in a securely fenced yard! Even if your dog is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G off-leash, it isn't worth the risk on firework day. Leashes save lives! Also, it is also never a bad idea to double check your fence to make sure it is secure. A loose board or cleverly concealed hole may be an unfortunately convenient escape route for your pet.
Get your cat or dog a thunder shirt: Thunder shirts are amazing products that use compression to help calm animals. They make multiple sizes for cats and dogs. Most pet stores sell the dog version, but many are starting to carry the cat shirts as well. Tip: If your animal tries to chew on the shirt, spray it with bitter apple to make it taste gross!
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| Puppy Rana models a thundershirt for us! |
So how are your Fourth of July preparations going? Any plans for your four-legged family member?
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