How We Help Our Fearful Dog on July 4th

[Shelby]

by Abbie Moore, Executive Director

Every year, as Independence Day approaches, a sense of dread fills the Moore household.  July 4th used to be a happy holiday, filled with family fun and gatherings at large public parks or beaches to see huge fireworks displays.  That was before we met our best friend Norm, our amazing adopted mutt, who shakes so uncontrollably at the sound of firecrackers or thunder that we have often called the emergency vet clinic in the dead of night, worried that Norm will actually have a heart attack.  For the past five years, the Fourth of July has meant one thing: holing up in the house with our buddy, trying every remedy and suggestion and product we can get our hands on in the hope of somehow finding the magic bullet that will help our poor guy (and us!) get through what seems like the longest night of the year.

I know we're not alone.  Fear of fireworks is very common in dogs, and chances are good that your dog is a lot like Norm.  Over the years, we've tried many things; some have worked, some not so much.  Of course, not all dogs exhibit the same behaviors in response to fear, and what works for us may not work for you at all.  Still, I thought it would be worthwhile to share our experience in the hope that it might help even one of you have a more peaceful July 4th.  So, here goes…

First of all, Norm is a pacer and a hider.  He alternates between pacing the house and trying to wedge his trembling body into the smallest space imaginable for a few moments at a time.  Since he does like to be in small, enclosed spaces for short periods, we furnished him with a crate covered with a blanket, but he didn't seem to enjoy being inside it.  Instead, he prefers crawling into the dark recesses of my closet.  So, to prepare, I remove all the shoes from the floor and hang all the long pieces of clothing on one side of the closet, as he likes to hide behind them.  I leave the door open a crack so he can go in and out as he pleases.  We close off as many rooms with windows as possible, still giving him access to the hallway so he can pace.  One thing that Norm seems to enjoy is spending a little time in our small laundry room while the dryer is on; he likes the soothing noise and the close den-like quarters.  We create as much white noise in the house as possible by turning on televisions, ceiling fans, air conditioning, the dishwasher, loud bathroom fans…anything that will create a steady hum. 

Finally, there are a couple of products I'd like to mention.  First is Rescue Remedy, a Bach flower essence that many people find very effective in reducing fear and stress in their dogs.  Google "rescue remedy pets" to find out more about this.  We use it every year, and frankly, I'm not sure if it helps, but it certainly doesn't hurt, and it helps us to feel like we're being proactive.  Like I said, many people swear by it, so check it out.  One other product which actually does help Norm is something called the Anxiety Wrap, which is a snug-fitting garment of sorts (see photo above).  I'm not entirely sure why it works (see http://www.anxietywrap.com/ for the full explanation), but there is a noticeable improvement in Norm's panic level when we put it on him.  It's also helped us get through many a thunderstorm.  In fact, if I had to throw away every one of Norm's belongings except for one, this would be the keeper.  It's not cheap (ours was about $75), but for us, it's been a godsend. 

Here's wishing you and your family a peaceful Independence Day!
 

[brumzoo]

Thanks!