Every year, the nation celebrates its Independence Day with gatherings, BBQ, and fireworks. Also, on the 4^th of July, dogs have high anxiety from the loud noises of fireworks and firecrackers. They may try to flee and escape from the yards and homes of their pet owners.

It is essential to protect your pets on this day of celebration.

In an exclusive interview with the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan, he shared with LRM Online’s Gig Patta via e-mail some tips and advice to safeguard your pets.

1.) Why should pet owners be concerned for their pets during the 4th of July?

Dogs can hear up to three times better than people, given that they can identify pitches that surpass the ones we can. Sudden, loud sounds, such as fireworks, can injure their hearing and trigger fear responses. Fireworks can agitate your pet and trigger stress. Anxiety can showcase itself differently for each animal and may even encompass a fight-or-flight response. 

2.) Most people would simply lock up their pets in their rooms or backyards. Is this the wrong solution?

You want to ensure a dog is calm, cool, and collected, rather than just putting them in a room with no preparation. There are many things that pet parents can do to help ease their dog’s stress and anxieties. You can do things to prepare weeks ahead of the fireworks show or a larger event. 

3.) In one of your steps, you talk about putting the dog in a calming state to introduce the sounds of fireworks with increasing volume. Is this to assimilate the animal to loud noises? Does it calm the animal?

Playing sounds over a speaker can simulate fireworks for your dog and will desensitize and help your dog get used to the noise to keep them calmer day of. You can start low and gradually increase the noise level. It’s best to give rewards each time a new sound level is reached. You also want to make your dog comfortable and block out the sound during the actual fireworks with music or a TV. 

4.) In the final step, you tire the dog through long walks before the fireworks begin. Does this calm the pet? Should pet sleeping pills be avoided as a solution?

Each dog is different in terms of what works best for them. I recommend exercising your dog more than usual, starting about a week in advance, so that your dog is ready to go to your home where he feels peace, calm, and rest. You can also take your dog for an hour walk or at a faster speed so they stay focused and work their body and mind at once. I would consult your veterinarian before giving any medication. 

5.) Your tech–how does the Halo collar assist the pet in this situation?

Dogs respond in different ways. Some dogs may be scared in silence while others may bark or even run away. I recommend having a GPS tracking system like Halo Collar which uses GPS technology to create invisible fences where your dog can safely play and relax inside or outside the home. It is also a  precautionary measure to ensure that your dog is always protected, even if it tries to flee in this type of situation. 

6.) Any other tips to prepare the dog on this date?

It is important to understand that anxiety can showcase itself differently for each dog. Some dogs may enter flight mode, escaping or running away. Fight mode consists of constant barking or freezing. Some indications of freeze mode include when an animal shifts from being hyperactive and wagging its tail to hiding and staying in one spot. You need to pay close attention to your dog’s body language. If your dog is anxious or scared, they may pant, have a tucked tail, exhibit excessive drooling, hide, or show aggression. 

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All the seasons of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan are streaming on various platforms today.

Watch his helpful video tip to prepare your pet below for the 4^th of July. Let us know what you think.

For news and interviews, contact Gig Patta at [email protected]. Follow https://x.com/GigPatta, https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGigPatta, https://www.instagram.com/gigpatta, or https://www.tiktok.com/gigpatta for all his postings and musings in entertainment.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive, Halo Collar