4th of July: Keep Your Dogs Safe

By Laura Dorfman CPDT-KA

REMEMBER: Fireworks are not always where we think they will be. Find out if neighbors are going to shoot off fireworks or even just firecrackers at their homes. Even then you can't always be sure that kids won't blow off a few firecrackers as they're hanging out or just walking past your house. Do your outside errands during the days before the 4th so you can be around the house once the noise starts. Put on the camcorder so you know what's happening, if you have to go away, then if your dog is acting "strange" or "different" you’ll know why. Well, you'll hear why, anyway.

If you have a new dog or puppy in your house, assess her and the environment before you go out and leave your puppy to struggle through the fireworks alone. A dog that is scared of thunder may also be afraid of fireworks. It's like a major storm that you already know is going to happen. Take advantage of the advance notice and if you need to, stay home.

Fireworks happen every year and it's important to know what is going to happen with your dog at home before you go out enjoying yourself while your dog is home terrified. Put on the camcorder so you know what's happening. If you have to go away, and your dog is acting "strange" or "different," you’ll know why from the video. If he’s not OK and you must go to the holiday celebration, make arrangements for Fido with a pet sitter or friend. If your dog is fine and could care less, go out next year and every year after that knowing that Fido is home and sleeping without a care in the world.

If you go away for the holiday, make sure your kennel or caretakers know your dog's history with excessive noise of fireworks. I would specifically ask if your kennel has overnight supervision. I would want that for my kennel every night, but I would definitely want that for special holidays when there are fireworks.

If your dog is a "little scared," stay home with him, close the windows, turn on some fans or air conditioning, put on the TV or stereo, and ride out the night with some rock and roll, a loud movie and bag of very high value treats, toys and games. Try to condition the evening so that in the future when loud noises happen, they look up and say "Hey. let's play! Let's have hot dogs tonight for dinner".

If he's shaking in the corner, do what you can to distract him. Some dogs like to cuddle up and some go in the closet, bathroom or under something and just shake. There has been controversy about whether or not to comfort scared dogs during storms or when they are scared and shaking. I don't think comfort reinforces fear, and if my dog is scared and gets relief by lying next to my leg or jumping in my lap, then it will be.

Even if your dog is ok, DON'T TAKE HIM TO THE FIREWORKS and don’t leave him in the car. July is not a good time to leave your dogs in the car anyway. Many dogs that go missing around the 4th of July weekend do so because they get scared, or startled, break away from their people at fireworks shows and run. By the time they stop running they are lost. Also, if they're alone in their yards (which we don't recommend ever), they break out due to fear and run. Some dogs may very well have a good homing device instinctually, but it's not true that all dogs can find their way home. Some yes, we don’t really know how, but most dogs just get lost.

DON'T FORGET THE FOOD. Make sure BBQ food is out of reach especially when you turn your back to answer the door. It only takes a minute for a canine counter thief to eat two dozen hot dogs or cupcakes! Make sure guests don’t leave chairs in accessible places for rover to jump up on the tables or counters. Make sure your dogs are supervised around the hot grill and utensils are in a safe place.

Also, don't forget as with every holiday when company is in your house ADVOCATE FOR YOUR DOG. Makes sure doors are closed, gates in the yard are kept closed, and children are respectful, including some of your older children, no matter how old.

If your dog is "over the top" with fear or these weekends send him into the corner shaking in his paws, he does not have to suffer every year. Consult your vet. If your dog is seizure prone, fireworks can set him off. If there are medical reasons why your dog may react badly to loud noises or unavoidable crowds, consult your holistic vet. Brainstorm with your vet on the best possible modality to help comfort your dog for this temporary situation. There are many different choices for helping him relax.