Fourth of July Fireworks and Your Pup

You may have gotten a feel for my dog Murphy’s personality in my previous blog. 4^th of July fireworks is a VERY hot topic in our home! I am curious how many other dog owners have the same issue as I do on the holiday.  Just because your dog looks big and tough doesn’t mean that they are! This is very true in Murph’s case, he is incredibly terrified of fireworks and I mean TERRIFIED. You would think that my brothers and father would not torture him by lighting them off in our backyard, but.. we won’t go there . Thunderstorms are also bad but the second Murphy hears one firework his entire body is shaking and all 100 + pounds of him lands on top of me! After about 5 minutes of pawing my face he runs in the bathroom and hides.  It is awful, I feel terrible for him and I have not figured out a way to calm him down. With every year bringing more and more fireworks from every direction, the entire evening is traumatic for him.  Does anyone else have this issue?! If so, has anyone found something that works? I have tried the thundershirt. This was not successful for Murph, but I know it has worked for others. I really don’t want to put my dog on Xanax! If you know anything that will allow me to be with my family and not torment my dog, please share your thoughts!

Here are some of the tricks you can try if your pooch gets nervous when he hears fireworks

• Thundershirt- available at thundershirt.com , target, amazon etc and will run you about 35-40$
• Place some toys, food and water in the small room, even if they can hear the noise, they he can keep track of what’s happening in his immediate surroundings and so is less confused/concerned.
• If your dog has terrible anxiety and fear, the pet store and vet can suggest sleepytime medicine or anxiety chews (which I have also tried with Murphy)
• Your vet can prescribe you valium or Xanax, but make sure that your vet agrees and gives a small and appropriate dosage
• Some pups like to hide under the bed, that is normal , do not pull them out if they feel safe there

For dogs with super high anxiety, who tend to chew when nervous, you may want to consider speaking to your vet about sedation or anxiety medication (especially if your dog will be home alone) It seems drastic and excessive but, unfortunately, they can do harm to themselves when they are feeling unsafe

For those whose pooches love the 4^th even with the Fireworks, here are some things around Baltimore you may like to do !

July 3

• Baltimore Country Club, Suburban Golf Club, Woodholme Country Club

July 4

• Federal Hill
• Canton, Fells Point, relax along the water
• Inner Harbor
• Middle River(if you’re on a boat make sure your pooch wears a life jacket!)
• Catonsville High School
• Grange Elementary School
• Loch Raven Academy
• Oregon Ridge
• My father’s backyard 

Have fun! Be Safe and Good Luck!!!

Keegan Biondino

Waggity Tails

http://waggitytails.com/blog/