to all friends of 4 footed furry companions

[heaven05]

more of them are lost on the 4th than at any other time. Just take care.

[SWBTATTReg]

1. Amend. Fireworks terrifies two of my three dogs...

The two dogs went through a horrible fire when my parents home burned down (the two of them that escaped, weren't hurt, but it did kill 3 of their siblings).

You can imagine all of the explosions and noise resulting from the fire that deeply traumatized these two dogs.

I took both dogs under my care so my parents could rebuild, and it took the dogs over 4 years to overcome going downstairs to the basement in my home (they absolutely wouldn't, afraid of being trapped) or being uncomfortable when a door is closed.

Dogs would freak out when a door was closed in the house (from the inside to the outside). In the fire, the garage door was cracked about 1 foot or so, which allowed them to escape the fire at my Mom and Dad's house. Unfortunately the remaining 3 puppies died in the fire.

Fireworks is a nightmare for these two animals and they are constantly running to me when someone sets one off (a firework). They are getting better, but still, fireworks terrifies animals so spread the word...be considerate of your animals, don't take outside during the fourth of July timeframe (or do so very minimal amount of time).

When someone shoots off a firework close to you, be very calm, tell the dogs that everything is fine, it's okay, and they'll calm down too. It's taking years to do so, but it's working.

[robbob]

11. That last paragraph is good advice.

I’ve been told that acting overly concerned and solicitous is not a good strategy: the more you try to comfort the animal the more they are convinced something really terrible is happening!

Calm and relaxed is the way to go.

Happy 4th, my American friends!
🇨🇦

[heaven05]

13. my furry friend

with four on the floor, like the spa/yoga-mediation/light classical and this morning I turned on new age music. Actually it's helping to keep my spirit from being agitated by the intrusive noise of this 'holiday' meant for some.

[Honeycombe8]

2. Keep them inside!!!

If you have multiple large dogs you can't keep inside, maybe the garage.

If they panic, they can and do get out of the fenced yard.

[jovibennett]

3. As a veterinarian I suggest a closet with a radio playing if you have a walk in closet--

a bathroom works as well. It is to late to pick up doggie downers from your vet. If you take them out to go to the bathroom make sure they are on a harness and leash- something they can't slip out of. Even with a fenced yard I suggest them on a leash. I am lucky that my 131/2 Coton de Tulear Jovi has lost most of his hearing so the fireworks don't bother him anymore. We sold more tranquilizer's yesterday than any other day of the year. PLEASE take care of them - if they escape they can get hit by a car, attacked be another animal or you may never find them. They are family members!! OH yeah if you are going to be out and you have a pet sitter- PLEASE make they sure to have a leash and harness on them before opening that door.

[Ferrets are Cool]

6. The music is good advice. We do it all the time for thunderboomers. nt

[William Seger]

10. My 13+ year-old rescue mutt has gone deaf in the last 6 months

... so this will be her first peaceful 4th, at least. I don't know if it was fear or anger but instead of hiding, she desperately wanted to go outside to chase whatever it was away. She didn't much like the garbage truck, but fireworks were much worse. Between barks, she would look at me like "We've got to do something about this!" and just get impatient when I tried to calm her down.

[Vilis Veritas]

4. The fireworks were so bad my ducks slept on the porch...

They have a pond and 2 acres but chose the porch.

The porch where my Pyrador Rain sleeps. I knew that they had bonded, but last night sealed their friendship.

Edited to add, the people in my area started blowing up fingers this past weekend...

[mnhtnbb]

5. There are a lot of dogs in my 23 story apartment building. I'm hoping they don't all start barking

at the sound of fireworks.

They did move the fireworks out of downtown this year...so maybe it won't be too bad.

My Snowy has never been bothered by either fireworks or thunderstorms, but if all the other dogs on our floor start barking, she might join the chorus.

[heaven05]

18. did things work out well?

[mnhtnbb]

21. Yes. Very few firecrackers near us and

a marvelous display of fireworks in every direction across the Triangle area here in N C that could be seen from my balcony. Hardly a peep from the dogs that I noticed standing out on my 17th floor balcony for 15-20 minutes watching all the fireworks displays.

[heaven05]

22. I thought my furry companion

And I had been spared and for most of the week were. Last night, as expected, the explosions around here made me jumpy. My furry companion and I kept talking, normally, and we made it through. I am so sorry/regretful of the grief I caused the Korean War and WW2 vets in my days of 4th of July celebration.

[AllaN01Bear]

7. didnt work with my huskey

we had to sedate him 4 days before the fourh and we had him chained to the stove which was a sizable okeife and merrit, and he pulled it a foot trying to escape.

[heaven05]

17. last year I had to sedate

but actually this 4th was much quieter. Thank goodness. Just had to close windows and turn up music. last year it went on and on. hope he is less agitated. But at least it's almost over.

[Rebl2]

8. We have deer

that come in our backyard and they were visiting last night. There were several fireworks people shot off in the neighborhood last night and I thought that would send the deer running into the nearby woods. They seemed unfazed by them. Thought it odd it didn’t scare them away.
I don’t have dogs, but for the last week our local news has been saying keep your dogs inside and turn the tv on and turn it up to drown out the noise of fireworks or play classical music.

[heaven05]

12. I turn up

meditation/Spa/Light classical. I have to close my windows. Yet if I have he music loud enough, it does seem to help along with my reassurances.

[meow2u3]

9. My furkids are indoor kitties

Max and Ruby (mother and son) hide in my bedroom closet, where I have put an old comforter I no longer use. That way, they're safe.

[MontanaMama]

14. Our strategy is to keep the dogs

inside and with us. I never leave them on the the Fourth...for anything. No bbq or party is worth their stress and fear. When the hoopla starts, we close doors and windows and turn on the AC if it’s hot or turn on a fan or two for white noise and turn on some music. We cook, play games, talk to them like everything is a-okay. When they look at me and they seem worried I always say “who’s a good dog?” And give them a little treat. My 11 year old border collie is terrified of fireworks but he’s learned that we’ve got his back and he won’t be alone. Even our young Labrador, who hunts ducks all fall and winter and is used to shotguns hates fireworks, but this strategy works for her too.

[WhiteTara]

15. Tashe is in the house hiding.

Last night was fairly rough as they started the blasting earlier than I thought they would and she ran for the woods. I have no idea how she got through the fence, but like a spirit dog, she was gone and it took awhile before she was secure enough to come home. Tonight? She's already in. Thanks for that warning.

[heaven05]

16. glad she made it back

[WhiteTara]

20. Thanks! I'm glad too

We've only been living together for about one month and she still doesn't like to come when she's called--only when she wants too. Sometimes it's very frustrating, but I was worried about her last night. But she has decided she lives here.

[ailsagirl]

19. My three are strictly indoor felines

My only concern is when the fireworks start going-- the noise it makes causes them to hide

But thank you for the cautionary statement