4th of July Fireworks

[Annetteb]

My newf Kona will be experiencing her second 4th of July this year. She is really scared of the loud booms and fireworks. Last year while kids in the neighborhood let of fireworks the week before, she kept crawling under the deck where we couldn't reach her. During the evening of the 4th she was in the mud room shower (her favorite safe place) with radio and fans blowing to drown out the sound for her.

I would appreciate any ideas to help scared dogs through fireworks.

Thanks,
Annette and Kona :bear:

 

[NewfMom]

We used Rescue Remedy which you can get at health food stores. Also, our Moose who had this problem was very attached to our son so we put a t-shirt that our son had worn on Moose and that seemed to make him feel safer.

At first Moose would hurt himself trying to dig a hole to escape but with using these things and seeing that our other dog couldn't care less about the noise, he improved to just being a little jumpy and wanting to be by us when the noises were going on.

 

[KateOC]

cotton balls in the ears.

 

[Melissakins]

Valerian Root capsules.

 

[dblsr]

We load up our dogs, and take a ride up into the mountains away from the noise. A little late night picnic with wine, cheese crackers and everyone is happy.

 

[Lithian]

I was always curious what would happen if we showed the girls the fireworks, but that plan would only really have worked if we could get them outside beforehand and looking in the right direction. Unfortunately we'd see and hear fireworks about a month before 5th nov. (where we celebrate someone nearly blowing up parliament)

I'd usually just have to sit up late and talk to the dogs till the fireworks stopped
Constant talking
Cuddles
Relaxing the no newfs on the couch rule for the night

Seemed to do the trick for us.

 

[M & M's Mom Linda]

Max at almost 5 HATES the fireworks. We sit with him, put up the music and the fans and sing...whatever patriotic songs we know...he calms down as we act like fools!

 

[tonkatruck]

:lol: We take Tonka every year to see the fireworks and he sleeps thru most of it.

 

[Erika]

Gerik Gigi and gandolph , play and frolic threw the noise..Gunther even with recue remedy turns into a nut!!!!! Greta cuddles so we do the fans and music and play watchme and hide and seek. Sorta helps...thank goodness they dont last too long before the neighbor calls the cops on the kids for setting them off. SIGH

 

[NewfieMama]

I was in the pet food store today and the owner showed me this "anxiety blanket" thingie that she's carrying. Said she's going to try it on her Golden this year, who always has trouble with big thunderstorms and fireworks.

http://anxietywrap.com/default.aspx

I don't know anything about this from experience, though...

Your Newf has wonderful markings, btw!

Mary

 

[Lori]

I was in the pet food store today and the owner showed me this "anxiety blanket" thingie that she's carrying. Said she's going to try it on her Golden this year, who always has trouble with big thunderstorms and fireworks.

http://anxietywrap.com/default.aspx

I don't know anything about this from experience, though...

Your Newf has wonderful markings, btw!

Mary

I was just going to write about the Anxiety Wrap. I heard about it awhile ago and thought I might try it on Sydney. She hates fireworks/thunder etc. I also just found out about another type of wrap. It's called a thundershirt. Works on the same principle I think. It's also sold at a local pet boutique and ebay. I might drive over and get one so I have it in time for the 4th. Here's their website:

http://www.thundershirt.com/

We also do like everyone else has mentioned - music, fans, Rescue Remedy, etc. I like the idea of cotton balls in the ears. Never thought of that. I actually have some earplugs I might try. My husband used to have to sleep with them because Chance snored so much!

 

[2newfs4now]

Max was afraid of the noise of fireworks until he was about 2; Charlie was never afraid of the noise... On New Year's Eve and th 4th the fireworks sound like a war zone until midnight. Add to that mix my guys barking at them...it's pretty loud.

 

[charlieinnj]

You could also try something like this:
http://www.f7sound.com/fireworks.htm

If you heavily reward the 'calm moments' the dog has when it's on, they could become desensitized and actually begin to associate the sound as a good thing.

 

[Anthony99]

Nothing works for Avlon, I have tried all of the above. The last 3yrs we go down to our finished basement which is underground and watch movies. It is amazing going down those 12 steps and you can't hear a single one including the M 80's. I honestly don't know what I would do if we didn't have it. She is a complete basket case.

 

[Ksullivan]

We live across the lake from a resort that lets off fireworks every Saturday, and Sunday night during the summer. When we go out for dinner with friends, we leave the lights on in the house, and all the televisions turned up. Sully was terrified of the fireworks last year, but this year he is doing much better.

 

[Annetteb]

Thanks all for the ideas! I am hoping she will get used to it over time.... I did order the Rescue Remedy and will give it a try. It will make me feel better if at least she is relaxing in the shower

-Annette and Kona :bear:

 

[Sully]

Does anyone know if the thundershirt/anxiety wrap is available to buy in Canada? My Mom has wanted to try it on her shih tzu as he has TERRIBLE anxiety with thunder/fireworks but she doesnt want to the pay the high shipping rate and then the duties on it from the USA.. especially since it might not work and it's a pain to return it that way and be out on the shipping $

 

[lacey9875]

I had a GSD mix that had to take medication any time there was a bad storm or fireworks. He sat in the bathroom too-don't know why they feel safe there.

I have a cd somewhere that has storm noises on it. Last year Maggie was terrified of it and any thunderstorm. This year she likes to watch the storms, but we're staying close to home for July 4th just in case. Also because my idiot neighbors set one of my shrubs on fire last year. :cussing2:

Maybe if you got something like that, and played it every day? Coupled with treats and fun stuff, it might help getting past the fear.

 

[ward_hill]

:lol: We take Tonka every year to see the fireworks and he sleeps thru most of it.

Same with Buckley! He has zero reaction to fireworks. But, he's growing up in the city where there are always loud noises ...

 

[CMDRTED]

You could try the Aniexty Wrap. I hear it is excellent for Thunderstorm relief. No personal experience, but it's work a shot.