In Preparation For July 4th, Dog Owners Give Helpful Tips On How To Minimize Doggos' Stressful Reactions To Fireworks

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kalila courban
Jun 12, 2023 12:00 PM EDT

With July 4th approaching, dog owners are sharing valuable tips on how to minimize their furry friends' stressful reactions to fireworks. A Reddit post sparked a helpful discussion, aiming to assist first-time dog owners this year. Some of the recommended tips include ensuring that your dog is microchipped with up-to-date contact information. It is also advised to schedule a vet appointment early to explore the option of medication, if necessary. Calming treats, pheromones, and Thundershirts are suggested for some dogs, but it's important to consult with a vet to find the best solution. 

Also, on the night of the fireworks, it is recommended to have your dog wear their collar at all times unless they are in a kennel. Attaching a spare tile tracker or apple tag to their collar can be helpful in case they go missing. Dog owners with sensitive pups know that fireworks can be a huge trigger for their pooches, and we want to save everyone the headache. Read on for additional tips and tricks! 

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  • 01
    Font - Posted by u/Itsdawsontime Houdini: Husky x Border Collie 12 hours ago Prepare for fireworks: we are 24 days away from July 4th (US), and fireworks usually start a week ahead of time
    via u/Itsdawsontime
  • 02
    Font - We see so many posts on Facebook and local subreddits about dogs escaping or what to do last minute to help prevent their dog being afraid during fireworks. What are your recommended tips to get ready, and what tools do you use to help?
    via u/Itsdawsontime
  • 03
    Font - I figured this may be helpful for first time dog owners this year. Here are a few of my tips: • Ensure your dog is microchipped, and the address and contact information are up to date. • If you need an appointment with your vet for medicine (or seeing if it's right for them), do it now so you have time to get in.
    via u/Itsdawsontime
  • 04
    Font - • Calming treats, Pheromones, and Thundershirts are helpful for some dogs; but again talk to your vet about solutions. • Have your dog wearing their collar that night, no matter what (unless they're in a kennel). Even with fenced in yards, doors closed, etc - you never know what may happen.
    via u/Itsdawsontime
  • 05
    Font - • Have a spare tile tracker or apple tag? Attach it to their collar and ensure it's battery is okay. • If you're leaving home, make sure to set up your dog for success - TV sounds, speakers playing music, ensuring theirs a dark quiet place for them, etc. What else do you all have?
    via u/Itsdawsontime
  • 06
    Font - Aware-Cranberry-950 11 hr. ago I always lock my dog in my bedroom and put the TV on for him. He likes to watch pitbulls and parolees. Reply Share 15 Itsdawsontime OP 10 hr. ago Houdini: Husky x Border Collie ... Hahaha. My husky also watches this show with lots of head tilts. When I worked in an office this was the show I put on for him, or a Planet Earth style show.
    via Aware-Cranberry-950
  • 07
    Font - Icy-Student947 - 6 hr. ago Benadryl works in a pinch! And I'm glad I saw this. I gotta do better for mine this year. She's the first dog that actually noticed and was absolutely terrified for hours. I had no idea she would react that way, but Benadryl definitely helped. Reply Share Vote Itsdawsontime OP 5 hr. ago Houdini: Husky x Border Collie ... Definitely, the rule of thumb is 1mg per 1lbs of dog for anyone else curious - but I'm not a vet and anyone reading should consult their vet be
    via Icy-Student94
  • 08
    Font - Just_a_firenope_ 11 hr. ago Another thing. Keep your unfazed or inexperienced dog away from scared dogs. My old family Labrador never minded fireworks. Until we held new years at my grandparents and their dog, who was terrified of fireworks (and everything else tbh). After that night, and all the years till it's death, our dog was afraid of fireworks. My current Labrador didn't care at all at his first New Year's Eve. He barely even reacted, a d we made sure to not make any fuss about it
    via Just_a_firenope_
  • 09
    Font - Shaywave08 - 12 hr. ago This will be my first 4th of july with a dog, so I'll follow this for tips. I don't know what to expect. Onk 33 Reply Share Denimdenimdenim 10 hr. ago Three of our four dogs don't care. The other one shakes, pants, and is visibly upset for HOURS. She can't even handle thunderstorms! We have an appointment later this month because we used the last of her meds during Super Bowl (we live in Kansas City). We usually put a dog bed by the dryer and throw shoes in there,
    via Shaywave08
  • 10
    Font - lollybaby0811. 10 hr. ago Would randomly set alexa to play loud music when your out to get doggo used to loud sounds solo. Play firworks off the TV and see the reaction. I frequently shout when I'm happy and my dog just blinks now, if I'm dancing hewill laydown for a belly rub as he know I'm in a good mood
    via lollybaby0811
  • 11
    Font - mindsawake 2 hr. ago My husband and I reserved 5 nights at a hotel near the airport that is pet friendly. The hotel windows are triple paned and are sound proof, since it's next to the airport. We're doing a mini stay-cation to get away from the fireworks at night. After spending 8 hours in our bedroom with multiple box fans and a laptop at full volume, I vowed never again to just "wait it out" during 4th of July. I'll do anything and pay any price not to see my dog so distressed again.
    via mindsawake
  • 12
    Rectangle - Kooky-Football-3953 4 hr. ago Make sure you take them out to go potty right before it gets dark and right before all the fireworks start. It might be your last chance until 1 or 2am. I don't technically live in the city limits and even though mortars are illegal in my state, people seem to think it's okay to light them off. It's like a war zone everywhere around us, and it last forever.
    via Kooky-Football-3953
  • 13
    Font - yasssssplease 10 hr. ago . My dog is so traumatized by fireworks, and I unfortunately hear them regularly starting around now. My dog was so freaked out last time he heard them the Sunday during Memorial Day weekend and was pulling like crazy. I try to avoid it, but it's so random when some event or people set them off. he got what I'm pretty sure is an FCE a minute after we finally made it home (I don't have the $$$ for a mri but got a lot ruled out by the emergency vet). He's recovering
    via yasssssplease

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wholesome dogs july 4th thread doggo Reddit
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