Phantom Fireworks encourages families to enjoy fireworks in a
safe and careful manner, and that includes being mindful of your
pets. Many dogs become frightened when they hear the loud,
unfamiliar sounds of fireworks. They may panic and exhibit
undesirable behavior -- scratching at the door, hiding under
furniture, soiling the carpet, running away from home or even
injuring themselves.
Dr. Dawg, former syndicated pet advice columnist and special
consultant to Phantom Fireworks, dug up some advice from
veterinarian Aaron Tangeman, D.V.M. The following suggestions could
save you and your dog a lot of heartache this summer.
Dr. Dawg: What is it about fireworks that strikes so much
fear in our canine companions?
Dr. Tangeman: It's an anxiety issue. Loud noises, like
fireworks or thunderstorms, make a lot of dogs nervous. Sometimes it
is the result of a bad experience the dog had as a puppy, or it
could be caused by an underlying psychological issue.
Dr. Dawg: What advice would you give to dog owners regarding
this problem?
Dr. Tangeman: It's OK to comfort your dog when he's upset. In
fact, there are specific things you could do to make him more
comfortable during a fireworks display. Frightened dogs feel most
secure in small, familiar spaces. If you crate your dog, let him lie
in his crate during the fireworks display. If not, prepare an
enclosed space -- a small, dimly lit room, for example. Leave the
radio or TV on to help drown out sounds of the fireworks. Or, if
possible, have somebody stay in the room to keep him company.
Dr. Dawg: What if trying to comfort your dog doesn't ease his
fear?
Dr. Tangeman: In more severe cases, you should remove your
dog from the situation entirely. Make arrangements to take your dog
to another location before a fireworks shoot. Take him for a drive,
visit a friend or family member, or drop him off at a kennel for the
night. This is a sure way to prevent fireworks-related anxiety in
your dog. Unfortunately, it's not always possible for everyone.
