I don't know about you, but my four dogs do not like fireworks. The Fourth of July is a stressful time for a lot of dogs. The loud noises can definitely trigger anxiety. I feel like each year, I learn something new that helps just a little more.
I also feel like each year I learn things that do not help at all... But that is normal. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
So here are some things I have learned and used over the years. They don't work for all dogs, but each has helped at least one of the four or a foster dog.
1. Create a Safe Space
The common recommendation is to designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your dog can retreat. This can be a crate, a bedroom, or any familiar space. Make it cozy with their favorite blankets, toys, and a piece of your clothing to provide a sense of security.
The best success I have had is the crate as this is already their everyday safe space.
Another way to go about this is...
If your dog takes off to a shower or closet or even under your bed, as long they stay put and are not ping-ponging around your house.
Let them be. They feel safe.
2. Use Calming Products
Daily, as dog owners, we see advertisements about so many calming products. What works? What won't?
It's all a big gamble but if something works...
I start jumping up and down inside.
Some different products you can look into are:
CBD Oil: High-quality CBD oil can help without harmful side effects. I only use a full-spectrum blend as there is evidence (science-based) about the benefits of using the whole plant vs a broad-spectrum oil which is only part.
Thundershirts: Personally, these have never worked for my dogs but I have seen them work with a couple of foster dogs. I have even heard of them helping a cat!
So, these snug-fitting shirts apply pressure to your dog's body, helping them feel more secure. They say it's like a big hug hitting all the right spots.
More to come on this but I am going to try adding some lightweight pads to a thundershirt and see how my dogs respond to this.
Calming Supplements: Using herbs like camomile, passionflower and some added functional mushrooms can go a long way in helping your pup feel better but it's another one of those, will this work or will this not work?
3. Play White Noise or Calming Music
So we typically use a white noise machine or a loud TV to help when we know the fireworks are going to be going off. It seems to work ok.
This year, I learned about something pretty cool and I am beyond excited how it's turning out.
Now, there are these different frequencies in sound and they have a different effect on the brain, specifically when it comes to calming. 432 Hz is a pretty common frequency but 528 Hz has been used for dogs that... need a little extra support.
So anyway, I learned about a YouTube Channel called Merlins Relam! However, there are many more out there as well.
But
Let me tell you, I have been using it for the last few days, and WOW! The first couple of times we checked it out, there was nothing going on stressful (with my dogs). I wanted to make sure we were in a calm state to start.
This is actually how we teach mindfulness and meditation to therapy clients. We don't want to try and use these new tools when we are already elevated, they probably won't work.
Living in Florida, we get some pretty awesome storms. Although two of my dogs do not think they are so awesome.
I have been playing the Merlins Relam channel, trying to start it before the storm hits. It has made a difference.
My ping-pong dog has stayed lying with me... and on his own, without the use of any herbs or medicines. That's a big deal. So, I say it's worth a try for sure!
4. Enrichment!!!
I mean, what kind of behaviorist would I be if this was not on my list?
If you are able to, get your dog's attention on you or some engagement toy.
I like to premake some frozen treats with our SodaPup Toys (that are featured in our June and July box). Things like this are a great way to not only distract, but your dog is working their brain! So after they are done, mine take a GOOD nap!
Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and snuffle mats can keep them occupied for the same awesome reasons!
And you may even get a little physical movement in there depending on the type of toy.
Canine Brain Games: An enrichment subscription box like awesome Canine Brain Games (I know, I'm biased) provides stimulating activities to keep your dog's mind off the fireworks.
Check out the Game of the Month or the bi-monthly Enrichment Box!
5. Don't Coddle. Yes, I said it, Don't Coddle
So this one is a biggie and this one took me a while to get.
Dogs, they pick up on your emotions. If you are scared, your dog will know and they will react in some sort of way. So, make sure you are in a calm state. Heart rate and all.
Next, and really, really important!
You should not coddle or overly comfort your dog!
I know! Trust me, I know! This one is hard. As humans, psychologically we want to comfort the things we love when we know they are scared, anxious, hurting... Whatever.
Your dog does not understand this, not in a way we would want them to.
And yes, this is a controversial topic with scientists and behaviorists on both sides but when our dogs know pets and loving comfort as a reward for desired behavior... Does that not transfer over to petting and giving loving touches when they are stressed out?
So, more often than not, you may be reinforcing that fear and how your dog is responding to it.
I remember the first time I saw this happen to my dog. The biggest lightbulb went off when I said "See, it's ok" and went to pet him as he flinched away... His body language before was comfortable... After, he started acting nervous and reaching his flight mode.
Those words, "It's ok" followed with my hand reaching down, turned into a trigger for his fear response.
Why did this happen? Because for years, when he was stressed, he became conditioned to me saying "It's ok" and reaching in for a "comfort" pet.
So what do we do? Here is how I handle these situations. I do not use verbal cues, especially right after something that would be scary.
If my dog comes to me and wants to lay near me or in my lap, then that's fine. I will gladly snuggle if they want it.
I always reward for eye contact as this is something we practice to help take their mind off something in the environment that is stressful.
The last note for this, if you have a dog that can't settle. They are all over the place... Leash them and work on getting them to come to you. Grab a bed or blanket and work on getting them to relax in that space.
So, while we know how stressful these events can be for our dogs, we have to focus on what we can control. What we can control is the environment our dogs are being placed in. Have a plan, have access to different tools, and always remember to take your dog's lead (if they want to hide, let them).