“The rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air”…If your dog has trouble embracing the concept of bombs bursting in air, take measures this 4th of July to help make the holiday a bit more tolerable for your furry family member. With fireworks legal in most of Boise, ID ton the day of the 4th, as well as the days leading up to the holiday, Boise will likely be filled with firework sounds and explosions. So it’s important to remember, dogs experience the world through their senses – nose, eyes, ears — and the typical 4th of July celebration can be overwhelming. Canines have a keen sense of hearing and the blasts from the fireworks can cause them distress and be disorienting. Your dog may try to escape the sounds and may start exhibiting some extreme nervous behaviors such as: excessive barking, digging, shaking, trembling, running around in circles, running into doors, hiding or worst of all running away. More pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other time of the year.
Therefore, Boise, ID, Companions Dog Resort would like to offer some helpful tips for dog owners on how to keep their dogs safe and calm during 4th of July festivities:
- Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out, talk to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet, and make sure your veterinary clinic and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their databases.
- Make sure to have a Current photo of your dog if they get lost.
- If you are going to a fireworks display, leave your dog at home where they will be the most comfortable.
- Walk your dog before dusk.
- Provide distractions such as a new toy or a chew.
- Create a special den-like area in your home where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him.
- Don’t leave your dog outside. If you cannot bring them inside, cover their outdoor crate or kennel with a blanket to offer them some protection from the bursts of bright lights and loud bangs. A dog’s sense of hearing is acute – on average four times more sensitive than human’s.
- Coddling a frightened dog will reinforce their fear. Instead, try playing games or exercising to distract them.
- Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day before the fireworks begin.
- Some dogs become destructive when frightened. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room your dog could destroy or could hurt him if they chewed them.
- Keep your dog away from the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause him to dart out the door and become lost.
- Keep your windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes.
- Turn on a TV or radio to distract your dog from loud noises and help them to relax.
- If possible, stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks. A dog often reacts more intensely to loud sounds and flashes of lights when you are not with him.
