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Do you have a dog that is scared of fireworks? We do and we feel your pain! It makes July 4th a stressful day for us and our pups. Animals’ fight or flight response is triggered by the loud booms and bright lights fireworks create. Some signs of firework anxiety in dogs are trembling, panting, drooling, and excessive barking. They may also want to hide or attempt to escape. We know how difficult it is to watch your dog with firework anxiety. Here’s how to help your dog cope with firework anxiety in San Diego.
Calming Aids for Dogs with Firework Anxiety
Luckily, there are some natural remedies for dogs scared of fireworks. Pheromone products release synthetic versions of natural pheromones that can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. The product that I felt had the best reviews are the options by Adaptil. The collar seems to work best, but there’s also a diffuser that’s worth a shot!
Another option is a calming supplement. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplement. There are a ton of options to choose from which can feel daunting. One that stuck out to me was by Zesty Paws. They have natural, organic ingredients. They feature Suntheanine, an advanced form of L-Theanine along with premium Sensoril Ashwagandha. Together, these ingredients help support relaxation, calmness, focus, and clarity for your canine pet thanks to the Melatonin in this advanced chew. Plus, these soft chews also include Chamomile, Valerian Root, and L-Tryptophan for additional support to help your pup stay calm.
Finally, Thundershirts have worked wonders when used correctly. You have to first desensitize your pup to the thundershirt. Use it during calm moments with your dog for short periods. Once they tolerate that you can build up the duration while wearing the thundershirt. The “hug” it provides will set your dog up for success. They will feel more confident even in scary situations. These options may not work for every dog. But, I think these are some of the best calming products for dogs afraid of fireworks. I hope they help ease your dog’s anxiety around the 4th of July in San Diego.
Exercise your Dog & Prepare Long-lasting Treats for your Dog
You want to make sure you take your dog on a long walk before sunset. Have several play sessions with them throughout the day too. Exercise is a key part in keeping your dog relaxed and tired for the night. Have a barbecue to get to during the day? Book a walk with Paws Play so they’ll be tired when you get back for the night.
If your dog has a favorite stuffed kong or topple, prepare these ahead of time. Stuff them with some food portions and tasty treats for the day. Adding water or bone broth and freezing them is best to help them last longer. You can also get some new, exciting chews to distract them throughout the night. Both Paw Country and South Bark Dog Wash have a variety of healthy options. You want to avoid any chews with rawhide as they are not safe for a dog to consume. You also never want to leave your dog alone with a chew as they can be a choking hazard. There are some pretty cool safety holders that help alleviate the choking hazard.
Using both exercise and long-lasting treats will help your dog stay calm during fireworks.
Create a Safe Space for your Dog with Firework Anxiety
Another idea is to set up a calming room for dogs with firework anxiety. Close windows, curtains and blinds to create a cozy space for your dog. We like to watch a loud movie to drown out the fireworks. You can also use white noise machines or play loud music. Do your best to plan potty breaks to avoid times when fireworks are happening.
Another option is to book an AirBnB in a remote location to get out of dodge. There are a lot of great options East of San Diego. Areas near Mount Laguna or Lake Cuyamaca are perfect. They don’t allow fireworks due to the fire hazard they present. Comforting your dog and providing a safe space will help your dog cope with their fear of fireworks.
All in all, I long for a time when fireworks displays are a thing of the past. I am hopeful we will all figure out alternate ways to enjoy the Fourth of July in San Diego. I have seen some drone displays and they are pretty spectacular. Want to help bring back the Ocean Beach Luminosity Festival? You can email them to find out how you can help.
Interested in learning more about helping your dog cope with fireworks this Fourth of July?
Here are two YouTube videos that I recommend. They offer training tips and advice on how to help your dog with firework anxiety. I hope you find them helpful!
Dog scared of fireworks? You need to try this! By absoluteDogs
Dog Fireworks Anxiety Prevention: How To Keep Your Dog Safe And Calm by Dogs That
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