Fireworks and Fido

The 4th of July is almost here… it’s sure to be a weekend filled with fun, family, friends and FIREWORKS!  So what does that mean for you and your furry friend?  A dog’s hearing is 10 times more sensitive than a human’s.  This means that often fireworks cause pets anxiety, stress and even fear.  The good news is that there’s several things we can do to make celebrating the 4th of July easier for our pooch.

For starters, it’s best to leave Fido at home instead of taking him to watch the fireworks.  This way, your pet is in a comfortable, familiar environment.  Usually, whenever there are fireworks, there are people setting off their own sparklers and fireworks.  This environment isn’t only dangerous for your dog, the loud noises and repeated flashes of light can be traumatic for your best friend.  It’s also a good idea to turn on the radio or the television in order to minimize the surprise of the fireworks.  You can lessen the flashes of lights by making sure your drapes and windows are closed and your lights in the house are on.   Make sure your dog has his collar and ID tags on and there’s no way he can leave the house. 

These tips made a huge difference for my dog, Bella, last year.  I came home and found her cuddled up in her cozy Donut Doggie Bed.  Happy 4th!