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If you're a dog parent, then you know the struggles of keeping your pet calm during 4th of July.
Dogs are easily scared by the fireworks because of the loudness they make as they echo throughout the neighborhoods. Purina explains more on why dogs hate fireworks so much:
“Dogs have exceptional hearing,” Purina explains. “If a dog comes running to the sound of a crinkling food wrapper from a different part of the house, you can imagine how sensitive they are to firecrackers.“
“Dogs hear more than twice as many frequencies as humans, and they can also hear sounds roughly four times further away. Reacting to every sound would demand too much energy, and so dog brains must determine which sounds are significant and which can be tuned out
Smithsonian Magazine also explains that fireworks "are easily perceived as a threat by dogs which triggers survival instincts that make them anxious and likely to run away." Ugh breaks my heart just hearing this. Aside from being loud, the fireworks scare dogs because they're unpredictable and don't know what's going on. Dogs react to fireworks in a similar way as when a human has a panic attack; dogs typically become anxious, hide, runaway or can become aggressive when hearing the loud noises from the fireworks. The American Kennel Club suggest a few ways to help your dogs out this 4th of July:
Keep your dog away from fireworks entirely. Keep them inside at night.
Create a safe space for your dog inside and away from windows. Basements are ideal.
Play white noise, like a TV or radio, to help mask the sound of fireworks.
Comfort your dog if they’re afraid. Petting them with long, firm strokes is typically soothing.
Take them for a walk before the sun goes down.
Desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks. Jenn Stanley, a certified behavior consultant and professional dog trainer, recommends pairing the sounds of fireworks with treats in a process called “counter-conditioning.”
Finally, if your pet’s anxiety gets particularly severe, book a visit with your vet to discuss medication.
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