How to help your dog survive the Fourth of July fireworks (and thunderstorms, too) 

The Fourth of July marks a loud and joyful celebration of our nation’s independence – and a not-so-joyful week for noise-sensitive dogs.

Unexplained whistles and bangs can be confusing and scary for animals and the volume of many fireworks may cause pain to their finely tuned ears. Frightened pets often hide or worse – they run away. Shelters across the country typically experience a rise in found animals following fireworks displays and animal hospitals report an increase in requests for medication to sedate stressed-out pets.

But you don’t need to head for the hills every July. A little preparation can go a long way to ensure your dog’s comfort during Independence Day.

• Model calmness. Show your dog that loud noises are not a big deal by behaving normally. If you are worried that your dog will be upset, he will pick up on your unease.
  

• Give him a massage. While coddling doesn’t usually work, purposeful touch does. Giving your dog a gentle massage can relax you both.
  
  
• Wrap him up. Just as swaddling helps a baby to relax and feel secure, a body wrap can calm a dog. Read about how to body wrap a dog and why it works.
  
  
• Try training. Distract your pup by working on his best commands or tricks during the fireworks. Give lots of praise and treats for a job well done. You can even make a game out of the noise by training him to perform a certain behavior (such as approaching you and sitting in front of you) when the loudest bangs occur.
  
  
• Prepare your dog to nap. Exercising and feeding your dog before the fireworks begin will relax him and make him more likely to sleep.
  
  
• Keep pets indoors. Always bring dogs and cats in the house during fireworks and thunderstorms. Don’t even let them out to go potty unattended.
  
  
• Use calming supplements. SitStay.com, B-Naturals.com, Petzlife.com, and HolisticPetInfo.com  carry a variety of safe, natural products that can keep your dog relaxed without drugs.
  
  
• Allow a frightened dog to pace or to find his “safe spot.” Many dogs have places in the house where they feel safest. If your dog wants to spend the evening in the closet or under the bed, let him.
  
  
• Isolate your dog from the noise. Close all doors, windows and curtains.
  
  
• Provide normal sound. Keep the television on or music playing to mask the noise of the fireworks.
  
  
• Desensitize with sound. Well in advance of the fireworks, try a CD designed to allow dogs to acclimate to certain noises or a CD set of specially orchestrated music that will calm them
  
  
• Don’t leave a frightened pet alone at home. Your presence will help your dog feel better, so relax and watch the fireworks on television.
  
  
• Don’t take your pup out during fireworks. If you must go out, leave your dog at home.
  
  
• Provide a cozy spot for your dog. If your dog has a crate, bed or corner he likes, stock it with soft bedding, favorite toys and, especially if you’re leaving, clothing that carry your scent.
  
  
• Tag your dog. Be sure your dog is wearing identification, just in case he gets out and runs away.
   

With just a bit of preparation, a few tools and a little TLC, both you and your dog can survive the fireworks (as well as the next thunderstorm) unscathed!