Fireworks & Fido : 4th of July Tips for Dog Owners

A dog's hearing is 10 times more sensitive than a humans, so is it any wonder that those 4th of July fireworks make him anxious or fearful?

Since the last thing you really want to do is stress your dog out, here are a few tips... from the experts for keeping  your dog calm during the rockets red glare.
Before the fireworks:

- Make sure you have his collar and I.D. tags on, so if he does run off in fright you have a better chance of finding him.

- Spend some one-on-one time with your dog before the fireworks.  An extra long walk or some good exercise will help tire him out and maybe he'll sleep right through the fireworks.

- Give him a relaxing rub-down an hour or so before fireworks time, always a good for relieving stress.

- Let your dog out to "do his thing" a short time before the dusk.

During the fireworks:

- Leave your dog indoors, somewhere where he is comfortable and least likely to to do harm-to himself, and your house!

- Leave on a radio or TV - with the volume turned up loud.

-Distract your dog with a KONG , a bone or a favorite toy.

- Interact with your dog in a low-key game of indoor catch.

- Do not try to much soothing or babying in her time of stress.  This will probably make the problem worse.  Instead, be cheerful and in control.  Also, don't punish your dog, as this will only make her more anxious.

- If you are thinking of taking your dog to watch the fireworks...think again! You and your dog will have a much more enjoyable time if you leave your dog at home.

Feel free to leave any tips or secrets you've learned to keep your dog calm during Independence Day fireworks in the comments section below.

Have a happy 4th of July!