Fireworks Are Fun For The Whole Family, But Not The Dog

The Fourth of July weekend is a great time to get the whole family together and for a patriotic celebration with barbecuing, parades and of course, fireworks.

While it might seem like fun to bring the family dog out to watch the display, many owners know that their dogs become extremely anxious or upset due to the loud booms and large crowds.

Lori Hunt, a veterinarian at , said that there are several ways to try to desensitize a dog before the firecrackers start flying.

“People can try playing music beforehand to help desensitize them, or turn on the TV to drown out the noise during the fireworks,” she said.

Hunt also said that many pet stores like Pet Supplies Plus sell homeopathic treatments like Content-UM, a supplement that calms hyper dogs. The liquid contains amino acids, but is not a sedative.

The Thundershirt is also a popular option, Hunt said. The snug-fitting garment puts helps to calms a pooch’s nerves whether it be separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms or anxiety over fireworks.

“It’s based on the principle of gentle pressure,” Hunt said. “It’s the same principle they use with kids who have autism. It’s sort of like a big hug.”

As a last resort, owners can also turn to tranquilizers.

“You can use tranquilizers if it’s really bad,” she said. “But that’s my least favorite option.”

In the end, Hunt said the treatment depends on the dog.

“If the dog is a nervous dog, leave it at home,” she said. “If it’s an outgoing dog and if thunderstorms don’t bother the dog, fireworks probably aren’t going to either.”