The Fourth of July is a joyous occasion for us in America. We celebrate our day of freedom with BBQs, picnics, family, and fireworks. The night sky explodes with bright beautiful colors while we ‘oh’ and ‘ah’ our little hearts out.

While we get wrapped up in the festivities, our dogs are thinking that the world is coming to an end. Anxiety in dogs from fireworks is a very real problem. For us, the explosions in the sky are a reminder of the battles our forefathers fought. Unfortunately, our four-legged friends only hear loud noises and lights falling from the sky. The Fourth of July is a rough night for dogs. They lack the ability to understand that fireworks are temporary and won’t hurt us. In their attempt to escape from the explosions, dogs have been known to jump through windows and sliding glass doors. Many dogs will escape their homes in an attempt to find a safe place.

So how do we help our dogs who may have firework anxiety? The first thing is to be aware of the problem. You know your dog better than anyone, if they tend to fear lightning or other loud noise, it’s safe to assume that fireworks going off will be nerve wracking for them. Once you have a gauge of how your dog may react you can prepare for the inevitable.

1. Provide a safe place for your dog to hide. If you crate your dog while you are out of the house, you may want to place them there before the party begins. Your dog’s crate is their safe zone. They will be more comfortable there than they would be with free run of the house.
2. See your veterinarian. Fear in dogs can be manifested in a number of different ways. Some dogs will become destructive to furnishings and siblings, other will seek opportunities to escape. All of these behaviors can cause harm to your dog or other pets in the house. If your dog struggles with changes, your vet may be able to provide tips and medications that can save both of you a lot of stress in the long run.
3. Board your dog. It can be tough managing your family, friends, and your dog on the Fourth of July. With so much on your plate it can be challenging to find the time to support your dog when he needs it. Boarding your dog for the night could be just what the doctor ordered. A staff member can comfort your dog while making sure they don’t hurt themselves.

The Fourth of July should be a festive occasion. You can help your dog get through the night with a few simple tips.