9 Tips to help you keep your dog safe and zen during the fireworks season.
According to the American Humane Association, 10 million cats and dogs go missing every year, and as reported by the Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families, less than 23% of these beloved animals are reunited with their owners.
These 9 tips below will help you calm your beloved animal companion
Article Summary
Although pets go missing all year round, it is during the Fourth of July weekend where there is a spike in missing animals.
Frightened dogs instinctually run from whatever is scaring them, so imagine what would happen if fireworks kept going off.
Most people might think it is fine to leave their dogs in a fenced yard, but a frightened dog filled with adrenaline can jump moderately high.
A frightened dog can also cause a lot of damage to its surroundings when left unattended, so make sure you don’t leave your dog alone in the house while partying!
Take your dog out on a quick jog/run before the firework starts
Find some time in your schedule to take your dog out on a long jog or run. If it's hot outside, make sure your dog doesn’t get overheated. Tiring out your dog means they will be calmer when the firework starts. It also promotes a deeper sleep which in turn blocks out the noises from outside.
Make sure to watch out for the signs.
Be keen on how your dog is acting. Shivering, shaking, panting, salivating, yawning, and trying to hide are some indications.
Frightened dogs also tend to lick their lips repeatedly and will also be stiff.
Drown out the sound of the fireworks as much as possible
Turning up the stereo or the TV are good way to block out the noise.
White noise such as a fan or an air conditioner near your dog can also help drown out the noise.
Background music could also help, check out our different Spotify pet playlists that were curated with music that promotes relaxation for dogs and cats.
Get a pet camera.
If your pet is going to be home alone, you should consider getting a pet camera to check up on them frequently.
Some pet cameras have 2-way audio and a treat dispenser which could help calm your dog!
Respect your dog’s personal space.
If your dog feels safer hiding under a bed or a couch then let them be.
Don’t try to pull them out or hold them. Feed them some treats to reassure they are safe where they are.
Provide a distraction.
You can play games, feed them their favorite doggy food, or even give them extra cuddle time.
If you don’t have time, a great way to occupy your dog for a while is to stuff peanut butter or another yummy treat into a treat dispenser toy and freezing it, your dog will be busy for a while!
Crystal Healing.
Place some of your pet’s favorite healing crystals near their sleeping area and make sure it is secure, we don’t want your dogs to eat or play with these crystals! For the 4th of July, we recommend stones with calming energy such as Clear Quartz, Howlite, Smoky Quartz, Sodalite, Chevron Amethyst, Tourmaline Quartz, Black Obsidian, Green Aventurine, or Rose Quartz.
Always be prepared for the worst outcome.
As with anything in life, make sure to have a plan B. ID tags with up-to-date contact information is a must.
Remove visual stimulation.
Make sure to keep all curtains closed. Removing visual stimulation will help calm your dogs.
We hope you find these tips helpful. Happy holidays from the Merci Collective family! 🐶🐱
