The Fourth of July celebrations are one of the most joyous times of the summer. The weather is in full swing, barbecues are underway, and fireworks are being set off throughout the weekend. It is truly an awesome way to celebrate the country we live in. For our dogs, this can be one of the most stressful times. The loud noises, flashing lights, and new visitors can really stress out our furry friends. Here are some tips on how to keep your dog calm from our South Jersey dog training professionals at Halo House.
Remain Calm
The only way to spread calmness to your dog is to keep calm. When planning activities or seeing your dog in distress, you can easily get worked up. Your dog is able to sense this kind of distress. If you cannot remain calm, it is going to spiral your dog and yourself into further panic. Remember to always stay as calm as possible to avoid making your dog’s behavior worse.
Exercise
A great way to relieve stress is to exercise. Before, during, and after the holiday weekend, make a point to provide extra playtime with your dog. The excess energy will be removed and your dog will be too tired to stress itself out. Stress takes up a lot of energy. It is a lot easier to remain calm after rigorous exercise.
Play Music
If fireworks and constant chatter are the real catalysts, try to keep your dog preoccupied with playing music. Dogs have very sensitive ears, so the way we hear fireworks and conversations is a lot different than the way they hear them. Music can help relax your dog and keep their mind off of all the activity taking place.
Attention
Nothing freaks out a dog more than a lot of activity and no attention. Make sure to give your dog plenty of attention via rubs and scratches. Physical stimulation will keep your dog’s mind off of the environment around them. Face it. No pet will be stressed out if their head and belly are being scratched.
Talk To Your Veterinarian Professional
If you have tried everything and are super worried about the upcoming holiday weekend, contact a veterinarian professional. Veterinarians have seen all kinds of situations with pets. They will be able to give you some tips that can further prepare or calm your dog down around the holidays. Each pet is different and veterinarians will help walk you through what will and won’t work.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pets, reach out to Halo House Animal Resort at 856-694-0980!