Preparing your dog(s) for the 4th of July

Ugh, it’s that time of year again.  In just a few weeks, we’ll be subjected to evenings  full of cacophonous celebrations of our nation’s independence.  Ok, I realize that sounds very unpatriotic.  I do love our country and believe in celebrating the 4th of July. There was a time that I couldn't wait for all of the BBQs and fireworks night after night.  That was before I became involved in animal rescue, and before I owned one noise sensitive dog named Roo. Now, I dread it and all the days surrounding it.

Disney, an Angel City Pit Bull who is looking for his forever home!

For those who haven’t experienced the 4^th of July from a rescuers perspective, let me fill you in with some hard to hear truths.  The 4^th of July is the absolute busiest time of year for our city and county shelters.  Many dogs escape- either from their yards or homes, or sometimes from the hands of their handlers who mistakenly bring them along to a 4^th of July fireworks celebration because they think it will be “fun.” The shelters overflow with dogs that they didn’t have room for to begin with.  And while many of these dogs may be reclaimed by their desperate owners, it’s too late for the dogs whose place they had to take.  There is often a huge push just before the 4^th of July to get as many dogs as possible adopted, because when the 4^th of July escapees start rolling in, space needs to be made for them for the mandatory 3 day holding period (which is good news for you if your dog gets out- you do have at least 3 days to find her at your local shelter).  But, this often means that the long-time, or even recent residents of the shelter have to lose their lives in order to make space.

So, what can we do to help alleviate this situation?  First of all, plan ahead.  Make sure you know what your dog will be doing not only the evening of the 4^th, but also any other evenings around the 4^th. It may help to do a quick online search to find out when the big 4th celebrations are happening around you. And be prepared for the impromptu neighborhood celebrations with the illegally purchased fireworks.  If you live in the  Hollywood Hills, you probably don’t have to worry so much about that (hopefully….as that creates a whole different problem altogether!) but for those of us down in the Valleys, this is something I’ve come to accept as given. Last year I tried to sneak in a trip to the dog park at around 6:30 pm, thinking it was far too early for anyone to be setting off fireworks, but boy was I wrong!

Things you can do in advance to prepare your dog:

Pick up a “Thundershirt”- make sure you do some test runs in advance, so that your pup does not always associate wearing the T-shirt with being stressed.  Follow the directions that come with the Thundershirt for a successful introduction.  You can find these at most pet supply stores and can also order online at www.thundershirt.com

Get a Sound Socialization CD- I like the one from www.angeldoginc.com. Start by playing on lowest volume possible during feeding , treat-time or playtime with a favorite toy, and note your dog’s reaction.  You will turn the volume up over time in your sessions, but be careful not to try to do too much too soon.  If your dog tries to leave the room or looks stressed, turn off the sound and go back to lower levels at your next session.

Find some Calming sounds- “Through a Dog’s Ear” provides relaxing classical music to calm your dog when he is stressed.  Again, start playing in advance during “normal” times so your dog associates the music with good times and not just stressful times.

Crate training-  it’s never too late to teach a dog to use a crate. If done correctly, your dog will actually come to see her crate as her safe haven.  Use the crate only for positive experiences, never for punishment.  Never attempt to force your dog in the crate, especially if you yourself are stressed, angry, or frustrated.  Practice having your dog go in and out of the crate in short intervals when you are not rushed to get out the door, and always make sure there are lots of good things inside the crate- peanut butter stuffed kongs, favorite toys, things to chew, etc.  Toss treats into the crate whenever you pass by.  Feed in the crate.  Put a nice cushy bed in the crate (warning- if you put too good of a bed in the crate, you might never see your dog hanging out anywhere else!) Note: Your pup could still injure herself trying to escape from the crate if she is left alone in the home inside the crate during the fireworks celebrations.  I still recommend staying home with your noise sensitive pup, and leaving the crate open so she can go inside if she feels stressed.

Medications and Supplements- Talk to your vet about anti-anxiety meds or supplements. In extreme cases, a Xanax-type medication may help calm your dog during stressful events.  There are also natural remedies available- “Quiet moments” is one that can be found in most pet supply stores.    

Reinforce all potential exits from your home- make sure your windows and doors are secure. While you shouldn’t be leaving your dog in the yard during fireworks celebrations, there is always a chance she could escape to the yard, so make sure all holes, gates, etc are patched and secured, and that there is nothing she could climb on to help her leap over the fence.

Finally, make sure your dog is wearing identification at all times! Also, microchip your pets!

Things you can do the day of and during the celebrations:

This goes without saying, but whatever you do, DON’T bring your dog to a fireworks display.  Remember, their hearing is far more sensitive than ours.  And they have no idea what it’s all about. Dogs have no business going to see fireworks, and they certainly don’t get any enjoyment out of it.

Plan to stay home.  If you can’t, hire a petsitter to stay with your dog.  Make sure your sitter understands the grave importance of staying with your dog and what his potential reaction may be to the fireworks.

Earlier in the day, take your dog out for a good long walk/hike/swim/run or extra long retrieving session- anything you can do to completely wear him out.  If he is really tired it will help him relax through the fireworks.

Play your calming music- start early, before the fireworks should start and let it run all night.

Put the Thundershirt on- also in advance of when you expect the explosions to start.

If your dog gets upset, let him do what makes him comfortable- if he goes and hides under a table or in his crate, don’t try to force him out, or make a big deal out if it.  If he has put himself in a precarious position, then of course remove him, but otherwise let him be ( and if you don’t want him to hide in a closet or under your bed, make sure you close it off or remove his access in advance). Check on him from time-to-time and make sure he is OK.  If he wants to cuddle, that’s OK too.  Just don’t make a big deal of constantly telling him "it's ok." The key to getting through this is for you to remain calm.  Don’t get stressed or frustrated about your dog being stressed.  

Close the windows, turn up your calming music, draw the curtains and stay in for the night. Celebrate your dog's independence and hopefully that of many other dogs who will be adopted this summer.