Does your dog suffer from anxiety during the 4th of July? Their frightened state can be difficult to deal with, but it can also be dangerous. Scared dogs can injure themselves in an attempt to escape your house or yard, and face other hazards if their escape is successful. If your dog gets worked up, do your best to remain calm and act normally. Never scold them for being afraid, but don’t reward their nervous behavior by lavishing them with attention. Instead, work to distract them with positive interactions and stimuli. Here are a few tricks you can try to help lessen or eliminate their stress during this noisy holiday.
- Keep them busy – Food puzzles and treats stuffed inside toys are a great way to occupy most dogs. Try filling a Kong with canned food in the morning, pop it in the freezer, and by evening you’ll have a delightfully distracting “pupsicle” to occupy your dog’s mind.
- Remove frightening stimuli – If you must leave your dog alone, keep them indoors. Make sure to close all of your windows and blinds to keep the scary sights and sounds out. Try putting on some familiar music to help counteract the noise.
- Exercise – Getting your dog out for a hike or a good play session to burn off excess energy before the fireworks start may help them relax a bit once the noise starts.
- Stay home – Sometimes all your dog needs is some company. If your dog is nervous, keep them inside and away from noise – with a human companion, if possible!
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