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Dogs and Fireworks Can be a Risky Mix

29 11:21:19
You probably love the loud bangs and bright explosions that make a Fourth of July fireworks display so arresting. Your dog, however, can't tell the difference between a celebratory explosion and one that should induce fear. To him, Fourth of July bangs are just like gunshots or thunderstorms and can create just as much distress. If you've ever seen a dog panic during the crash of thunder and lightning then you can appreciate the terror these loud sounds can hold for your pet. Dogs and fireworks are not a happy combination - so make the effort to diffuse the situation. Here are some ways to do that:

1. If at all possible, keep your dog in the house while the show is exploding overhead. If you can, put him in a darkened room as far away from the sound as possible.

2. If your dog is in the house, but not shut in a room, consider closing the curtains and turning on the television to mask the alarming booms.

3. Inside or outside, crating your dog can also help to calm his nerves. Place a blanket over the carrier to increase your dog's feelings of safety and security.

4. Walk your dog before the show starts. He may be too frightened to take care of business whilst the bombs are bursting in air and that could lead to unexpected accidents on the car ride home.

5. If you don't want to put your dog in a carrier, at the very least keep him on a leash. Frightened dogs are notorious for running pell-mell into danger - like an oncoming car.

6. Stay near your dog. Pet him and speak soothingly to him. It will be tempting to focus only on the colorful explosions but if you mix dogs and fireworks, be prepared to give your pooch the attention he will need to get through a stressful situation.

7. Some dogs just can't tolerate loud noises no matter how much kind attention you give them. These dogs are best left at home. If your dog is disturbed by loud sounds and you must bring him along this Fourth of July, talk with your vet about a mild sedative which might help him endure the event without panicking.

Dogs and fireworks can be no problem in some cases, but plenty of animals respond with fear when the firecrackers start popping. Have a plan for easing your dog's potential stress. And when you look for health support products to make your dog's life better on the other 364 days of the year, check out ProLabs pets.