It’s a documented fact that the worst time at
animal shelters are around the 4th of July holidays. Red Door
volunteers know from experience: a few years ago, five of them were trying to
catch a frightened, runaway dog galloping through a city alley just after a
nearby park’s fireworks display.
We
caught that dog and got it returned to its proper home, but there are easier
ways to protect your resident canine.
· Be proactive. If you know there will be fireworks in your
neighborhood, make sure your dog gets lots of exercise earlier that day.
· Be sure your dog is wearing a secure collar and ID. When panicked,
dogs can make like Houdini and disappear.
· Never take your dog [or any pet] to a fireworks display. And don’t
keep any pet outside during the July 4th holiday.
· Provide white noise distractions: keep the air conditioning on and
the windows shut. Turn on the TV or radio or put some soothing music {not the
1812 Overture!] n the stereo. Fans or sound machines also help mask outside noises.
· Keep the curtains drawn and the blinds shut. Dogs tend to feel more
comfortable during loud noises if the outside world is shut out as much as
possible.
· Try a Thunder Shirt or make a simple one at home with an old T
shirt fitted snugly around the dog.
· Let your dog hang out in a safe space. If he likes his crate,
that’s a good option. Some dogs like
bathrooms [maybe it’s the lack of windows?]. Wherever your dog feels more
relaxed—even if it’s under the bed- let him stay there. Provide some fun chew
toys or Kongs to help distract Fido.
· Act confident around your dog and don’t react to the Bang! Boom!
Bam! outside.
Remember,
your dog wants you to be the Alpha—particularly when the firecrackers start going off.
