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The Fourth of July is fast approaching and although it is a day of celebration for all Americans, it can be one of the most difficult holidays for pets and their owners. Some pets don’t seem to mind the loud noises but a large majority of dogs simply don’t understand that noises as loud as thunder and fireworks are ok and not the source of their impending doom. The loud noises and associated strong vibrations can be terrifying for our dogs to the point that it can become difficult to keep them remain calm during the chaos. Thankfully, there are some things we can do to help ease their anxiety and stress.

#1 – Stay With Your Dog

Many people feel that staying with their dog during times of extreme anxiety only amplifies their behavior, but this is likely not the case. This adage comes from the idea that petting your dog when they are anxious only reinforces that being anxious is an acceptable state of mind. Although destructive behavior due to anxiety can be managed with training, you don’t want to begin addressing this issue during a period of extreme fear. Dogs are pack animals and they naturally want to be with their families when they’re scared, so leaving them alone will likely worsen the situation. Even if you crate your dog, do your best to stay in the same room with them. We understand that life isn’t perfect though and if you can’t be with your pet maybe you have friends or family that can.

#2 – Provide A Shelter

Dogs naturally want to seek shelter from something that’s frightening them, even if they can’t place their anxiety on any one specific thing (in the case of thunder or fireworks, they can usually only hear and feel the scary thing, not see it). Many owners view crates as a bad thing, but at Bend Pet Express, we like to think of it as another tool in our tool box. When used properly, your dog’s crate turns into their safe place or den during times of stress and anxiety. Fill it with your dog's favorite toys, blankets or even some clothes that smell like you to help them feel more comfortable inside. Offering this type of shelter gives your dog the option to safely hide and feel much more secure in their environment.

#3 – Natural Calming Therapies

More and more dog owners are turning towards natural remedies when it comes to managing their dog’s health. For dogs that have mild anxieties, natural therapies seem to work quite well. For example, the Sentry Calming Collar slowly releases a pheromone that creates a calming cloud around your dog or cat. The best thing about the collar is that it stays activated for a full 30 days. This means you can attach the collar and the calming pheromone will be with your furry friend for a full month to help with any stressful situations.

#4 – Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, especially if the anxiety is severe, natural therapies are not enough to help your dog find relief. In these cases, seeking the help of your veterinarian is an excellent option. There are anxiety medications that dogs can take regularly or during times of extreme stress, such as during a thunderstorm or on the 4th of July. A professional dog trainer can also help you manage your dog’s anxiety, especially if they become destructive and a danger to themselves. Whatever route you decide to take, or both if necessary, it’s always important to remain your dog’s advocate and make sure that whatever you do to help ease your dog’s anxiety will keep them safe and comfortable.