How to survive the 4th of july

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and if your dog is fearful of fireworks, please don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Here are the steps to survive the 4th of July:

1. Talk to your vet about medication ASAP.

If your dog is scared of loud booms, medication isn’t optional. Reach out to your vet now to make sure you have something on hand well before the 4th. Vets get overwhelmed with last-minute requests so don't wait!

2. Set up a safe confinement space.

Some dogs will hide on their own, but don’t wait for that to happen. Instead, create a cozy, comforting spot (a crate, pen, or quiet room) and put them away before the scary sounds. Note: they should already be comfortable in this area prior to the 4th of July. 

3. Block out light and sound.

Drape a blanket over the crate, close blinds, turn on music, a TV, or a box fan—anything that muffles the noise and makes the space feel safe. You're not going to be able to block every 100%, but this will help!

4. Offer a high-value distraction.

If your dog doesn’t totally shut down when they hear a boom, a frozen Kong, bully stick, or other long-lasting chew can give them something else to focus on when the noises begin.

Bonus Tip: Potty your dog early in the evening and give medication before the fireworks start, not after. Once the first boom hits, it may be too late for your plan to work.