The fireworks are underway as we celebrate the 4th of July. Many dogs don’t appreciate the holiday because they can’t stand the loud noise. Nebraska Humane Society spokesperson Pam Wiese says in some cases it can be pretty severe.
Wiese says, “We’ve heard of instances of dogs that get so freaked out by the fireworks that they’ve gone through a plate glass window. They are trying to get away so if they can some will jump a fence and start running until they don’t hear the fireworks anymore.”
The Nebraska Humane Society suggests those dogs who tend to bolt should be taken out on a leash to do their business and then brought right back inside. That gives the dog a sense of security that their owner is with them and they won’t be hurt.
Wiese also suggests creating a safe spot for your pet. Put the dog or cat in a room, shut the drapes and close the door. Make sure the dog has its bed, food and water and favorite toys. Put on a radio or a fan to help muffle the noise.
Wiese says, “There are pheromone plug-ins you can get that look like scented diffusers. They actually exhume the pheromones that a mother dog or cat would exhume to calm her babies. There is some science behind the aroma-therapy and can take the edge off and make them more comfortable.” Wiese says another product to try includes the thunder shirt that applies pressure to a pet’s torso. They have also been scientifically proven to help calm down a pet and work in about 80% of the cases.
Wiese says some people also call their veterinarian and get medication for their pet to help calm them down over the 4th holiday.