Celebrating the Fourth of July is a ton of fun for humans, but as pet owners know, it’s many animals’ least favorite holiday. Although sneaking bites of hot dogs and hamburgers off the ground might be your dog’s dream, the fireworks at the end of the night are far from pleasant for their sensitive ears.
Dogs are often terrified of fireworks because they’re extremely loud, unpredictable, and virtually inescapable on the evening of the Fourth of July. When fireworks just keeping going off for hours, dogs can feel perpetually threatened. The noise seems like it will never go away, so they have a sense of danger looming over them for as long as the show lasts.
Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or the new parent of a pup, it helps to have a plan each year when this especially noisy holiday rolls around. These simple tips will help you keep your fur baby feeling calmer, safer, and happier this Fourth of July.
Muffle the Noise
Unless you and your dog head somewhere totally secluded from civilization to hide out for the day, it’s going to be hard to cancel out firework noise completely. However, there are simple things you can do to muffle the noise and make it less intense for your pup.
Pick a room or any space in your home that you can bring your dog to when the firework noise starts to worry them. In this room you can house a white noise machine, which is great for drowning out upsetting or irritating sounds with more calming ones. You should also use heavy curtains in this space–the thicker the fabric, the more effective they will be at muffling raucous rackets. Music is a great choice, too!
Rugs and shaggy carpets are also amazing at absorbing sound so that it doesn’t bounce off every hard surface in your home. Having a room in which your pup is surrounded by white noise, heavy drapes, and soft rugs will help them get through the night.
Exercise Them Early in the Day
If you and your dog are usually nighttime walkers, you will probably want to switch it up on the Fourth of July. Since most people set off their biggest firework displays after dark, going for a walk during the day is a great way to tire your dog out before the festivities begin.
You can also hike on trails that do not allow fireworks or anything similar. A challenging hike will help your dog burn energy so that it can have a restful night, and being on a secluded trail is a better bet than walking through a neighborhood of folks throwing holiday parties.
Talk to Your Vet
If you’ve taken all these measures and your puppy is still having a terrible time, considering talking to your veterinarian about options. Sometimes, your dog’s fear might be related to deeper anxiety issues. A professional can help you understand your pup’s behavior and better cater to their needs when the next loud holiday rolls around.
