Ways to Keep a Dachshund Calm During 4th of July Fireworks
Summertime is here, and the 4th of July is just around the corner. This often puts many Dachshund parents on edge, knowing that their little long dog’s anxiety will skyrocket, and the barking will feel never-ending.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to help your doxie through all the booming and banging this season.
Here’s how to keep a Dachshund calm during 4th of July fireworks.
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Are Dachshunds Scared of Fireworks?
Most Dachshunds are afraid of loud noises, like fireworks. Dachshunds have super senses, so the smallest noise can set them off into a barking frenzy.
If your Dachshund isn’t a fan of loud noises, like thunderstorms, garbage trucks, or vacuum cleaners, they’re probably not going to enjoy the cracks and booms of fireworks around the 4th of July holiday.
From my own experience: My neighbors have a large gathering every year with lots of people, music, and very loud fireworks in the evening for everyone to enjoy – except for the pups.
Fortunately, I have been working with my doxies for many years to help them cope with these loud pops and bangs.
I’m confident these tips will also help your Dachshund.
Ways to Keep a Dachshund Calm During 4th of July Fireworks
No need to fret about your doxie’s fear of loud fireworks any longer friends, here are a few things you can do to help keep a Dachshund calm during fireworks.
Desensitize Your Dachshund
Desensitizing your Dachshund to the sound of fireworks before all of the booming and banging begins can help them feel more comfortable when they hear the loud sounds during the 4th of July celebrations.
Exposing them to these sounds in a comfortable environment will help them feel calm instead of fearful.
This type of sound training is something you should start days or weeks before the fireworks begin – and luckily, it’s super easy to do right at home.
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Stay With Them
When my neighbors have their large 4th of July gathering, I’ll visit for a bit, then I’ll head back home to my Dachshunds, Eko and Gretta, before the fireworks begin.
We sit together in our living room, and I pull out a bunch of fun dog toys for playtime and dog treats to prepare.
Keeping their attention on me (and the treats) while the pops and booms start outside helps them focus more on the fun they are having, and less on the scary sounds happening outside.
It can get pretty loud being right next door, but my pups do very well with the constant treats and games we play. My husband and I alternate each year so we can both enjoy the show.
I know, missing out on 4th of July fireworks stinks, but helping your Dachshund feel safe and training them to be calm during the loud booms is worth it in the long run.
If you don’t want to miss out, ask a friend or relative to come help watch your doxie for you.
Create a Safe Space
If you’re driving to a 4th of July fireworks display, set up an area in a quiet space away from windows, such as a basement, so that your pup can’t hear or see the fireworks.
Use a puppy playpen if that’s where your dog feels safe, and make sure to provide them with their favorite toys and blanket.
Don’t take your doxie to a fireworks show and never leave them outside during fireworks.
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Talk to Your Vet
If your Dachshund has a more severe case of anxiety during fireworks, you can discuss a calming medication option from your vet. It’s a common request from other dog parents around this time of year.
Use a Dog Thunder Shirt
My senior dog, Bastian, had severe anxiety with loud noises – especially fireworks and thunderstorms. So, we would give him anxiety meds from the vet and wrap him in a Dog Thunder Shirt (this is the one we purchased from Amazon and it worked wonders!)
The dog thunder shirt is a wrap that fits snug around your dog’s body, like swaddling a baby to keep them calm and secure.
The wrap method is something you can use while home with your pup. Don’t leave the vest on while you are away.
Update Your Dog's ID!
Make sure your doxie has an updated microchip or dog license in case they do get loose during a fireworks event. That way, at least there’s a better chance of returning them back home.
More dogs go missing around the 4th of July than any other time of the year.
Friends, by following these steps, you can help your Dachshund become more accustomed to the sounds of fireworks, making the 4th of July a more enjoyable experience for you both.
How do you have keep your Dachshund calm during the 4th of July fireworks?
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