4th of July tips

 Did you know more dogs go missing on July 4th than any other day.

Fear is powerful and instinctual so when a dog is scared, he doesn't think rationally, he just reacts - which means RUN! HIDE!

Fireworks and thunder often cause this.  I was relived that after several nights of fireworks including a neighbor setting off some LOUD ones, Booker had no reaction.  One of our cats stopped licking himself tonight to peer out the open window during the neighbor's setting them off combined with a full show from a nearby village, but Booker didn't even lift his head.  

Whew.

But what if you have a dog who has fear of thunder and fireworks?

Well, you can buy items like a thundershirt, which helps with anxiety.  You can also buy calming chews online or even get a prescription from your vet.

You can put your dog in a small room and play calming music. And always have your dog's collar on and he should be microchipped with current info just in case the worst happens,

But the best cure is prevention!

If you get your dog as a puppy, expose him early and often to loud noises and a variety of stimuli.  Loud motorcycles, dump trucks banging, the smoke alarm going off, kids hitting pots, ambulance sirens, etc.  

Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult - if he shows fear IGNORE him.  Yes I know this sounds terrible and goes against you instincts, but trust me!  If you hug and pet and talk baby talk while your dog is scared you are reinforcing the anxiety.  Instead stay calm yourself and carry on with normal activities.  If you your dog calms down on his own, them it's time for paying him attention and giving treats.

What if you already have a dog that's terrified of thunder or fireworks?  Start tomorrow.  YouTube is your friend.  They have hours of videos of fireworks and thunder.  While you're doing something routine - reading a book, cooking dinner - play one of those tracks.  Start the volume super low.  Remember dogs hear better than we do.  Play that video and carry on like everything is normal.  If your dog freaks it's too loud and or on for too long.  Ignore him and turn it off after a minute.

Keep it up.  Gradually you will increase the volume and length.  This will not happen in 2 or 3 days.  You must be absolutely consistent.  When your dog is able to be calm and settled when the video is on you should shower him with affection and treats.  

Eventually most dogs will get to a point that they can tolerate those noises.  You might not be able to take him to your local fireworks show, but he will be able to endure a summer night's thunderstorm without being terrified.

As with most things involving kids, dogs or our own battles, it won't be easy but it will be worth it!!