Fourth of July is a time for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, swimming pools — and fireworks. While you might stare in awe at the pyrotechnics, your dog may bark and howl or hide under the bed.
According to the American Kennel Association, a larger number of pooches even run away during the Independence Day holiday.
“It can be the smell. It can be the noise and the flashes of the light,” New Jersey veterinarian Judy Morgan told the American Kennel Club. “Your dog may “tremble, shake, shiver, howl, and bark — some of them get frantic.”
Some dogs get so anxious during the light show they have to be sedated.
Before it comes to that step, though, you might want to check out a few other options for keeping your pup calm during fireworks. We share handy tips from veterinarians and a few of my pet-owning coworkers below.
- Think twice before taking your dog out
- Create a safe area
- Drown out the sound with music or white noise
- Take them for a walk well before the fireworks start
- Try a Thundershirt or anxiety wrap
- Talk to your veterinarian
Read the full CNET article here.
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