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How to Keep Your Dog From Getting Spooked by Fireworks

By Emilie Ruscoe | July 2, 2015 8:26am
 Help your dog enjoy his or her summer as much as Max, the Governor's Island dog.
Help your dog enjoy his or her summer as much as Max, the Governor's Island dog.
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Governors Island

Many New Yorkers have been hearing fireworks popping off for several days already. But some New Yorkers will never be able to fully appreciate fireworks displays: more beloved canine companions run away on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year, and the fifth of July is one of the busiest days of the year for animal shelters nationwide, according to the ASPCA.

"To us, fireworks are predictable, but to your dog who doesn't understand the calendar, they're sudden, unexpected and unpredictable," which is why they're stressful, says Ann Hohenhaus, a staff doctor at the Animal Medical Center, a not-for-profit teaching hospital in New York City. "The environment you set up for your dog on the Fourth of July is important."

Here are some measures you can take to make sure your pup stays safe and calm during fireworks.

► Before the big night, try quietly playing some recorded fireworks for your pup, increasing the volume if it doesn't seem to be too upsetting, while positively reinforcing relaxed behavior by rewarding with some treats and affectionate attention. You won't desensitize your dog to fireworks overnight, but you'll get a sense of how he or she reacts to fireworks without agitating him or her too much.

► Consider going out for a day trip, or at least a long walk or trip to the dog run with extra games of catch with a ball or Frisbee, before scheduled fireworks. You'll reduce the risk of accidents, and a tired, happy dog might even fall deep asleep before the fireworks begin.

► Put on your air conditioner to keep your dog cool and to provide some white noise. If your dog is especially responsive to sounds, play music he or she likes; you can also invest in PetAcoustics, a Bluetooth speaker that plays soothing music at psychoacoustic frequencies calibrated to relax your dog, or iCalmDog, a device that plays classical music that's been tweaked by a Julliard-trained musician and recording technician to make it relaxing for canine companions.

► If your dog feels secure in a crate or kennel, have yours on hand during the fireworks display. You might want to try draping the crate in a blanket and giving him or her an extra pillow. Alternately, have your dog's bed or thundershirt — a vest that calms dogs' anxiety the way swaddling works on babies — ready for action.

► Some mild chemical anxiety aids for your dog include Bach Flower Rescue Remedy for Pets, putting a drop or two of lavender oil on your dog's ears (so they can smell it but not lick it), or Dog Appeasing Pheromone plug-ins, collars or sprays.

And, of course, make sure to show your pup some love when you get home from the fireworks. You can be certain that he or she will be very happy to see you.

Happy Fourth, to you and your dog!