Five ways to prepare your dog for fireworks

It’s almost that time for a dogs most difficult night of the year- American Independence Day.

Dogs are much more sensitive to sound than humans, and the intensity of the firework booms can be overwhelming. Here are some things you can do to help prepare your dog for fireworks…

1. Desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks. Start by playing firework sounds for them in the lead up to the holiday, make sure the volume is very low at first (remember their hearing is much more acute than ours), then gradually raise the volume. While playing firework sounds pair this with something yummy - a high value treat such as dog-friendly peanut butter or cream cheese or a high value toy - something really fun and exciting, and only use it for this purpose.

2. Reward your dog when they are calm. Once you have gotten them a little more accustomed to the sound of fireworks, reward them with a treat whenever you see them being calm. Remember to say “Yes” immediately when you see this as a marker for the desired behavior, and then you can label the behavior with the word “calm” and give a treat to build a positive association and solidify the connection.

3. Stay home during peak firework times. You may need to adjust their walking schedules, and limit time spent outside in the open. If you are going to be leaving them at home make sure to have someone stay with them who they are familiar with.

4. Create a relaxing, quiet space for your dog to rest. Think comfy fort - lots of blankets, instrumental music (you can find many dog playlists on YouTube), close all windows, turn up the AC to drown out the sound, and most of all lots of pets!

5. If all else fails talk to your vet. If your dog has severe noise sensitivity your vet can help with thunder shirts (compression vest), pheromone spray (you can also buy plug in pheromones), and medications.

Remember to make sure they have their id tags on at all times - more dogs escape on this night than any other night of the year. The quickest way to get your dog back to you is if someone can contact you right away.