Learning About Dog Breeds

Independence Day may still be a few months away, but if you live in Utah, it's already time to start preparing your dog for fireworks. You see, in Utah, there are actually quite a few days when it's perfectly legal to shoot off all the safe and sane fireworks you want to. Unfortunately, that might not be too comforting for your dog, especially if it gets anxious around loud noises. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to help your dog make it through the noise relatively unscathed. If you're concerned about how your dog will react to the extended firework season, here are four steps you can take to alleviate its distress.

Create a Safe Haven

If you know that your dog has anxiety issues related to loud noises, the best thing you can do is create a safe haven for it; preferably one that is small enough to provide comfort, but not small enough to make it claustrophobic. Your bathroom, or a walk-in closet, are the best options. If your dog has a crate that it is comfortable in, you can use that as well. Just make sure that you leave enough room for a comfortable blanket, a favorite toy, and access to food and water.

Change the Channel

If you live far enough away from the fireworks that the noise can be drowned out by soothing noise, it's time to change the channel on your dogs stress. Before the fireworks start, turn the music on in the room where your dog will be staying for the evening. The music will not only drowned out the noise of the fireworks, it will also soothe your dog and help it relax.

Calm Them with Essential Oils

You might think that essential oils are only useful for humans, but they're actually quite beneficial for your canine companions, as well. In fact, lavender oil is extremely useful in calming anxiety in dogs. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and add a few drops of lavender oil. Use the essential oil solution to spritz your dogs blanket, and the area where they'll be confined for the evening. The lavender essential oil will calm your dog and help alleviate the noise-induced anxiety.

Consider a Sedative

If your dog has severe anxiety associated with loud noises, it's best to talk to your veterinarian about a sedative. If your dog becomes to anxious by the loud noises, it could harm itself. A mild sedative will help your dog relax and sleep during the fireworks shows.

Contact a clinic, like Animal House Veterinary Hospital, for more help.