The 4th of July is upon us.  As a responsible dog owner, you should do everything in your power to protect your dog on this night filled with loud bangs, pops and sizzles.  Since fireworks typically only happen once or twice a year, the sounds and lights are likely to catch your dog off-guard, confuse him a bit (or a lot!), and possibly make him nervous and on edge the entire evening.  Remember, your dog's hearing is 10 times more sensitive than yours!

If you want to enjoy the fireworks and you have a dog, here are your options:

Think again! You and your dog will have a much more enjoyable evening if you leave the dog at home.  Plus, wherever there are fireworks displays, there are usually people setting off their own personal fireworks -- including sparklers and firecrackers. Aside from the danger associated with your dog being in the wrong place at the wrong time (dogs & fire simply don't mix), the mass hysteria, loud noises and repeated flashes of light are likely to have a traumatic effect on your dog. Whatever you do... don't leave your dog in the car! With only hot air to breath inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects - even death - in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

Your best bet is to keep your dog indoors (preferably in a crate, if he's already accustomed to spending time in a crate).  Leave your dog indoors somewhere where he is likely to do the least amount of harm when he gets scared and excited -- to himself, and your house!

You should also turn on the TV or a radio -- with the volume turned up loud -- to make it less likely that he will be able to hear the fireworks outside.  Since the flashing lights can scare your dog just as much as the loud noises, be sure to close all the curtains and blinds inside your home and turn ON all the lights in the room. This will make the bright lights from fireworks less noticeable to your dog.  Plus, closed curtains and blinds offer a small degree of sound-proofing in your home, lowering the high pitched sounds a tiny bit.

Without a doubt, the best place for your dog on this night is inside the house.  Preferably your house -- a place that your dog is already familiar with and a place where he feels comfortable.  Ideally, you would be in the room with him to monitor any stress or anxiety which might arise.  Odds are, there will be none, and you'll simply be enjoying a night at home with your dog.  But you never know. Some dogs exhibit no signs of fear in their early years, then as they get older suddenly become terrified by the loud noises and bright lights. (This is often due to a change in their hearing, as different tones & pitches begin to sound differently to them.)

How do you help to calm your dog?

The moment you notice that your dog is becoming overly excited or anxious by the loud noises and bright lights, try one of these:

Do not soothe your dog too much or "baby" her in times of stress. This will probably only make the problem worse.  Instead, be cheerful and in control.  Also, don't punish your dog, as this will only make him more anxious and nervous.