Happy 4th of July! Does your dog agree?
Many dogs have Loud Noise Phobias and the 4th of July Fireworks can cause stress in your canine friend. Here are some tips for overcoming the amount of anxiety your dog maybe under during this Holiday.
- Behavior Modification - This technique takes time and involves playing a recording of thunder or loud startling noises. Start out very gradually and at low levels. Praising your dog for remaining calm is important. You want your dog to feel that this is a normal situation which they can remain calm. You can pick up CD’s at many stores that are of rain/thunderstorms for human relaxation. Isn’t that ironic, relaxation!
- For this Holiday making sure your dog is in a safe place great example their den-like structure, the crate. Make sure the crate is in a calm place and covering 3 sides to make it more of a den helps many dogs feel more comfortable. Make sure whatever bedding is in the crate will not harm your dog if they get so excited that they destroy and possibly ingest the bedding.
- Leave the radio on or other normal noises in the room to distract from the fireworks outside.
- Some of the same techniques that we use for separation anxiety may work here as well. One is to use a Kong toy filled with peanut butter and frozen. This will occupy your dog for several hours trying to get the peanut butter out since it is frozen, thus creating another good distraction.
- Lastly some dogs have such high anxiety for loud noises that medication can be helpful. Contact your veterinarian for recommendations.
Enjoy the 4th of July and don’t forget about the safety of your canine friend!
