Boom Proof Your Pup This 4th of July!
Fourth of July celebrations will be here soon and not everyone is excited about all the noise. Boom proof your pup ahead of time and save yourself and your pup some serious anxiety. If you have dogs you know it can be a ruff night (or if you have neighbors like mine, a ruff week!) for them! It’s difficult to completely silence the noise for your pup, but you know your dog the best so you know what they can and can’t tolerate. Of course my biggest dog is also the biggest scaredy cat when it comes to loud noises so I already know that I will be making special preparations for her long before the big boom night.
Boom Proofing Can Make It Less Scary
The most important thing to remember is that the loud noises are scary for all dogs. Even dogs that are normally more relaxed and well behaved can become frightened by the loud noises and react by running. Prepare ahead of time so your dog isn’t seriously injured or lost.
First of all, being inside during peak fireworks time is the best option. The walls of your home will dampen the noise to a certain degree so create a safe space for them inside in a confined space. If you have a crate for them they might be most comfortable there but if not, a corner of a room with their bed, access to food and water and toys and maybe an article of your clothing might make them feel more relaxed. I’ve even known some friends who play soothing music for their dogs to kind of drown out the ruckus.
Boom Proof: Get ahead of the the noise
Try to take care of potty breaks earlier in the evening before it gets too loud. Even if your yard is fenced, keep your dog on a leash. A panicked dog may try to escape and could find a way out that you didn’t even know existed. Compression shirts can work wonders for some dogs as it gives them a feeling of being “swaddled” and gives them a sense of security. If you don’t have one, an ace bandage can work in much the same way. Depending on your dogs temperament, covering their ears can be helpful, earmuffs or calming caps are available. But this is where knowing your dog is best, you may find that some dogs are even more stressed out by the loss of ability to hear which would defeat the purpose entirely.
If your dog is regularly distressed by loud noises, talk with your vet about anti-anxiety preparation for times that you know there will be a particularly loud event. But be aware, most vets will not just hand out a prescription at the last minute. Instead, talk with your vet about the best course of action for your dog that works best for both of you.
Have A Backup Plan If You Can’t Boom Proof
Finally, make sure your pups are wearing collars with your contact info on it. In the worst case scenario, at least you stand a better chance of finding your pup if they do run off. Just about any big chain store like PetSmart, Petco or Tractor Supply has an personalized id tags that can save you a lot of heartache.
Boom proof preparation is key to making the holiday less stressful for you and your pup. The more you plan ahead, the less anxiety for both of you. Enjoy your holiday and Happy 4th of July!