How to Help an Anxious Dog on the 4th of July
This post shows you how to help an anxious dog on the 4th of July.
Does your dog get anxious on the 4th of July? Fireworks, unexpected noise, and unpredictable flashes can make dogs pretty stressed. No matter how fabulous and fun the fireworks are, I can’t help but feel sorry for all the anxious dogs that have a hard time during this holiday.
So, in this post, I’ll share some tips to help you prepare and help your anxious dog deal with loud noises and fireworks.
It’s essential that you keep them safe and do whatever you can to keep them calm! Luckily, there are some really cool ways you can prepare! Check them out!
Before the 4th of July
Here’s a list of things you can do several weeks before the 4th of July to help your anxious dog.
1 Desensitize Your Dog
One thing you can do before the 4th of July is play some firework sounds and videos so your dog gets used to the noise and flashing lights.
The goal is to expose your dog to fireworks (their anxiety trigger), but do it in a slow and calm manner. The key is to keep the video at a low volume so they are not overwhelmed.
Then, after several days of low exposure to the trigger sound and scene, you can gradually increase the volume so they get used to it.
Another idea is to change their response to fireworks by pairing them with something positive, like their favorite treats.
Here’s how to do it:
Over time, your dog will associate fireworks with good things, like their favorite treat, and not just fear. This method can be helpful for 4th of July dog anxiety, but keep in mind that it only works if your dog doesn’t have severe anxiety.
2 Spend Some Time With Your Dog in Their Safe Space
Days before the 4th of July, start playing with your dog in their safe space. That can be their bed, favorite corner, or even your bed.
Get into their safe space, pet them gently, and stroke their tummy or comb their hair—whatever makes them happy. Give them their favorite toy. Practice this for several days, and make sure to repeat the same routine every night.
It’s important that they know they are safe in their space and that you’re there for them. Creating this sense of security can make a big difference when the 4th of July dog anxiety kicks in.
3 Use Calming Aids
If you’ve never used these before, it might be a good idea to call your vet and ask about them.
You can find a lot of vet-approved CBD treats and valerian chews that can help your dog feel calm.
I like calming training treats that you can use as a reward during playtime or put in puzzle feeders.
There are many over-the-counter options, and each has different benefits. Good calming aids should have natural, vet-approved ingredients that can help calm your dog. They usually include:
4 Exercise Earlier in the Day
This may seem a little counterintuitive, like why would you exercise an anxious dog, but physical exercise really helps a lot!
Go for a really long walk or take a hike somewhere nice. Bring their toys and spend the whole morning running and chasing balls.
The more tired your dog is, the less anxious they’ll feel, and they’ll want to sleep in their cozy bed. A good workout earlier in the day can make a big difference when the 4th of July dog anxiety kicks in later.
4th of July Dog Anxiety Tips During the Fireworks
The most important thing is to keep your dog safe. Don’t make this common mistake! Learn how to keep your dog safe on the 4th of July! You’ll be surprised by some tips, as they are really simple, but somehow we forget about them!
During the fireworks, it’s best if your dog stays indoors with plenty of water, access to their bed, and all blinds and curtains shut—they don’t need to see the lights (it won’t help their anxiety). If 4th of July dog anxiety is an issue for your pet, creating a quiet, secure space for them can make a big difference.
I know that some dog parents have to leave their dogs alone on the 4th of July, and while it’s a bummer, it happens. You can leave the TV on with some pleasant and calming music and make sure that all windows are shut and doors are locked.
When dogs get scared, they may try to escape and run. Unfortunately, this happens quite a lot around the holidays.
If you’re taking your dog outside with you to celebrate at a 4th of July BBQ and watch the fireworks, then you have to keep them on a leash and close to you.
You should also stay calm and in control. Dogs can sense our emotions, and if you’re scared, they will be frightened, too. Keeping your own stress levels in check can help reduce 4th of July dog anxiety for your pup as well.
After the Fireworks
Now that everything is over, you can check your dog for signs of stress like shaking, pacing, or trembling. Stay close, pet them gently, and bring them fresh water to drink.
Keep them cozy, and make sure they are fed. You can give them something healthy, like a nice big steak or chicken. They will need the energy to recover, and the best energy source for dogs is lean protein.
Ever wondered which protein sources are best for dogs? I break it all down in this guide!
In the morning, make sure to check your backyard for any firework debris before letting your dog outside. If you don’t have a backyard, go on a nice morning walk and let them sniff as much as they like—it will help with any lingering anxiety.
Hopefully, you’ll manage to have some fun this 4th of July! But the most important thing is to help your dog and make sure they are happy and healthy.
Which of these tips helps your dog the most? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget to pin this post so you’ll always have these tips handy!
Love, life, and fur forever!
This post showed you How to Help an Anxious Dog on the 4th of July.
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