Tips For Keeping Your Dog Calm During 4th of July Fireworks

Fireworks are a staple of the 4th of July, and while we can find them inspiring and beautiful, our furry friends have a tendency to disagree.  Most dogs perceive the sound of fireworks as a serious threat, and will react as though they are in danger, which is naturally distressing for both you and your canine companion.  If you’re worried about how your dog is going to react this Independence Day, we have some key advice that can make a world of difference.

Signs that Your Dog is Anxious About Fireworks

It’s understandable that a dog would be stressed out by fireworks.  All that they know is that there is a loud, sudden noise occurring in their vicinity, and they don’t understand that they’re not actually in danger.  But, dogs can be great at disguising their stress – some better than others – so you may not even realize just how upset they are.  Here are some things to look for which can clue you in.

  • Aggression
  • Panting
  • Pacing
  • Withdrawal
  • Refusal to eat
  • Urinating inside
  • Excessive vocalizing
  • Excessive grooming/chewing at their fur

How to Keep Your Dog Calm This Independence Day

Fortunately, there are some pretty simple ways to keep your home environment as calm as possible when fireworks are going off nearby.  These tips can make a big difference in how your precious companion reacts this coming holiday.

Tip #1: Create a Doggy Oasis

A dog’s instinct when they sense that they’re in danger is to hide, and if they’re unable to find a suitable hiding place during a fireworks display, this can really intensify their stress as they feel exposed and vulnerable.  So, find a place in your home that you can turn into a safe haven, by creating an enclosed space in a quiet room that they can retreat to should they sense danger.  You can make a fort with some blankets and furniture, or simply find an enclosed doggy bed that feels like a secure cave.

Tip #2: Drown Out the Noise

You might be surprised by how adding ambient noise to your home can muffle the sound of fireworks nearby, enough to ease your dog’s nervous system.  Our favorite options are white noise, which can really dampen the blow of the booming sound of fireworks, as well as meditation music which you can find easily online, which can play for several hours and have a soothing effect on the body and mind.

Tip #3: Appreciate Your Dog’s Instincts

Sometimes, the most well-meaning dog owner can aggravate their pup’s anxiety in an effort to soothe them.  For instance, if you see your dog pacing nervously, you may feel compelled to cuddle him or her until the fireworks are over.  But, many dogs can find this more anxiety-inducing since what they want is space.  Respect your dog’s self-soothing methods and try not to interfere, even if you have the best intentions.

Tip #4: Have a Discussion with Your Neighbors

In many parts of the country, fireworks are legal to purchase, and so you may have neighbors who are setting them off on your street, exacerbating the issue.  If that’s the case, consider having a discussion with them, explaining to them that your dog finds them extremely upsetting.  They may completely understand and come to an agreement with you.

Tip #5: Give Your Canine CBD

Cannabidiol may be surprisingly helpful for an anxious dog, including a dog who’s dealing with firework anxiety.  One study found that when dogs were administered CBD before being exposed to loud, sudden noises, their stress response was far lower than dogs who were given nothing.  This shows us that CBD may help make canines less reactive to fireworks – something that’s been backed up by many, many dog owners who have tried it out for themselves.

Your Dog Doesn’t Have to Suffer This 4th of July

It’s natural that a dog would be stressed out when fireworks are taking place nearby, and to an extent, it’s unavoidable.  But, we can do things to minimize that stress as much as possible so that they can feel safer in our care.  One of the most helpful things you can do is give them a top-quality CBD product about 30 minutes prior to a fireworks display. 

Nectar Wellness Supercharged™ CBD Oil for Pets are specially formulated to deliver calming wellness to your dog- no matter what size or breed.  The best part, you can easily administer CBD oil to your pets for fast, efficient results.  Apply the CBD tincture drops directly into your dog’s mouth or add to their food or favorite snacks.

 

Please Note: Before administering CBD to your dog, speak with their veterinarian first, since they’ve access to your dog’s medical history and can therefore make a proper determination if CBD is right for your canine.