Fourth of July celebrations can be overwhelming for some pets. Fireworks are closer to the ground and have burning smells that thunder and lightning don't have, making it a tougher time for your four-legged buddy. In addition to stress and fear that your pet might experience, some pets gets spooked and run away during the loud booms and crackles of a fireworks show. More dogs are found wandering and lost on this holiday than any other day of the year, according to Positively.
Aside from sedation (which should only be a last resort and done with the advice of a veterinarian), there are a few things you can do to help your furry best friend get through Independence Day.
Before running to your vet to ask for sedation for your pet, try some herbal calming methods. You can buy treats with calming ingredients either at your vet's office or a pet store, like PetCo. If your pet isn't good with pills, no worries! There are drops and chews that taste like yummy treats, but that contain ingredients like ginger, L-Tryptophan, chamomile and sometimes melatonin. (Always double check with your vet before adding anything to your pet's diet.)
When it comes down to it, we all get scared sometimes, but having someone who loves us and makes us feel safe is the most important thing... and what better way to celebrate freedom than with freedom from fear?
