Fireworks & Dogs UGH

Most people in the USA look forward to the 4th of July. But for many dog owners it is a day to be dreaded. If your dog is triggered by fireworks or loud noises, you probably dread the 4th. For years Steve and I lived on a lake that was fireworks central for the area and it was as stressful as you might imagine!

With some planning and a bit of preparation you can sail through the 4th with a minimum amount of stress and anxiety.

Full transparency...we do not have a magic potion that melts all of your dog's fear away and has them romping around the park or lake as fireworks explode. We do offer our tried and true Relax Dog Aromatherapy which soothes the ragged edges of your dog's fear and helps calm them down enough to survive the holiday.

Download our EZ 4th of July Prep Checklist to help make this the least stressful 4th of July possible for your dog.

Determine a Designated Dog Watcher

If your dog is extremely terrified of fireworks, you need a One on One Dog Watcher! Yes, they will be dedicated to the dog for the 4th. It might be you, of course.

Have really yummy, desirable treats for distraction available for the Dog Watcher and your dog.

Have a tag for your dog with your current contact info on it and make sure their collar fits.

Check out Bad Tags- we love 'em!

Or make a temporary DIY tag with your weekend address and contact info

 DIRECTIONS For DIY Dog Tags HERE

Microchip your dog and/or register them with one of the many lost pet programs now available, PetHub is a good one.

Of course, be sure you haveRelax Dog Aromatherapy on hand.

• Confirm the Designated Dog Watcher

• Ensure your dog stays inside the entire time frame that fireworks are going. More dogs are lost on 4th of July than any otrher day!

• For potty breaks, keep your dog on leash, even inside a fenced yard. Make breaks quick and try to do them during a lull in the fireworks

• Start using Relax Dog Aromatherapy as soon as you hear the very first Pop of fireworks

• As the fireworks start turn the tv on, try the Dog Channel, HGTV, anything with bland talking. No western, no aliens screaming, nothing with Bruce Willis or Tom Cruise in it.

• Shut windows and turn on the air conditioning

• Use a noisy fan for additional white noise

• If you have a white noise machine, turn it on and up!

• If your dog is used to a crate, have it available for them, but don't force them into the crate if they resist

• Deep breaths, it's only for a short period of time!

• Start applying Relax Dog Aromatherapy at the first sign of fireworks or 15 minutes before the scheduled start.

• Use as needed throughout the fireworks.

• Spray Relax on first, from ears back and allow it to settle over your dog.

• Or if you prefer, apply the Roll-on as directed.

• Sit with your dog a bit and comfort them as they settle in.

• Use Relax Dog Aromatherapy with any compression garments, calming supplements etc. you may also be trying. 

I'm not going to end this post with a cheery, "Enjoy the 4th," that would be unrealistic. Relax is not a doggie downer and will not drug your dog, but it will help calm them down enough to allow you and them to survive the 4th unscathed.

And for most of us, that is enough! Good Luck!