The 4th of July is coming up. And with that comes lots of loud noises at night. There are days of fireworks going off in neighborhoods and of course the big show in most communities. You’re probably also out spending more time outside at BBQs and your pups might be spending more time inside by themselves.
On the 4th of July, more dogs escape than normal. And if you have an anxious dog that’s afraid of loud noises, it can be a stressful time for you as well. Don’t miss out on the family outings or the fireworks just because your pet is anxious.
How do you know if your dog is anxious?
Dogs have a wide variety of personalities, just like we do. But there are some common types of behaviors dogs exhibit if they have anxiety.
- You notice a change in behavior in specific situations. This could be going for a car ride, fireworks, storms, or people they don’t recognize.
- They have physical symptoms that could include:
- Trembling.
- Urinating or defecating.
- Pacing
- Panting
- Aggression
- Loss of appetite
If you know (or think) your dog is anxious we have you covered. Here are 6 ideas to help you keep your pup safe and happy so you can enjoy your 4th of July.
Ideas for Helping your Dog with Anxiety
Idea #1
Make sure your dog is microchipped and/or has identification on his collar. If they do get out you want to ensure you can get them home safely and quickly.
Idea #2
Chat with your neighbors. Are they going to be lighting off fireworks near your home? Know what time and get prepped. Also – let them know you have a stressed-out pup so if they do get out they know where they belong.
Idea #3
Use CBD. CBD has been shown to help with anxiety in dogs just like it does in humans. Using our Full Spectrum Pet Tincture for anxiety is a great start. And as an added benefit, the THC can also help them sleep.
Idea #4
Ensure they’re in a safe space. Put them in a room they feel most safe. Keep their favorite toys around. Have the room be something they can’t escape from.
Idea #5
Get a weighted vest – the added weight adds a calming effect to your dog with the hugging feeling they get. Think of it like swaddling your baby. Because of the weight it can also take up more of their energy making them more tired and relaxed.
Idea #6
Take them out for some exercise earlier in the day. Wear them out so when you leave the house they’re already a bit tired. They’ll be happy because they had some quality time with you. And they’ll have less energy as the night wears on.
Conclusion
The most important thing is to come up with a plan. Make sure your dog feels as comfortable as possible while you’re out of the house. And have a plan if your pooch happens to get out.