Dexter Village Animal Clinic Offers Safe Tips for Canines Suffering from Anxiety During 4th of July Holiday

The Fourth of July is around the corner, along with the fireworks that inevitably come with the holiday. Almost all humans with canines in the United States declare this day the worst day of the year for their dogs.

Veterinarians at the in Dexter say that July 3 is one of the most trafficked days in their office, with clients seeking out drugs to help with canine anxiety. With a few tips, however, owners can help their four-legged friends conquer the fear of loud noises.

"Believe it or not, anxiety is a learned behavior in dogs," Kelly Lucas, vet tech at Village Animal Clinic said. "When we tell a dog 'oh everything is OK' and try to comfort it when it is anxious, it reinforces the negative behavior, which can develop into worse habits over time.

"In its mild stages, the best thing for owners to do is act like the anxiety is no big deal."

Lucas said one of the best ways to ease canine anxiety is to designate a place in the house where a dog can feel safe.

"Usually dogs try to find the quietest room in the house. Many dogs lay behind the toilet in the bathroom. The best thing to do is leave them there," she said.

Another solution involves putting several blankets on top of a crate with the dog inside.

"Some owners don't like to crate their dog, but if you put blankets on top of the crate, the dog will feel safe and not terribly anxious with loud noises," Lucas said.

Music therapy can also be an effective remedy. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed.

"The dog will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective," Lucas said.

For dogs with aggressive anxiety, including pacing or heavy breathing, Lucas recommends prescription pills available from a veterinarian or over the counter remedies such as Rescue Remedy available at the , or Composure soft chews available at most pet stores.

"The earlier you can intercept and correct anxiety behavior, the easier it will be. Some animals can get to the point of jumping through plate glass windows because they are scared," she said.

Lucas said veterinarians generally shy away from prescribing sedatives for anxiety.

"Sedatives are not recommended anymore because they cause an already anxious dog to feel drugged and can actually make the problem worse," Lucas said.

Pet owners who have questions about their dog's anxiety during the Fourth of July holiday are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian to determine the best treatment option.

The Village Animal Clinic can be reached at 734-426-8550.