Jul
2012
Fireworks: Fun For Me But Not So Much For Sherman
Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays.
I love the meaning of the holiday, the social gatherings, and the fireworks.
Usually we celebrate the fourth with a party, because well, that’s what we do.
We usually cook out and have a pretty nice display of our own fireworks.
Yes, we are those people that a lot of you can’t stand, blowing off fireworks illegally in your neighborhood.
These are just smoke bombs. They do NOT explode.
We always take special precautions and of course no one is ever put in harm’s way.
This year things are going to be different.
While we fully intend on having a party this Saturday, there will be no fireworks.
There are 2 reasons for this:
1. Due to the drought, it just isn’t a safe or smart to blow off fireworks when we have a lot of brittle brush in front and behind our house.
2. Sherman has suddenly become very uncomfortable with fireworks. For 5 years he has been fine with fireworks. Now, not so much.
I use to always feel sorry for people who had to worry about their dogs around this time of the year, but I was glad that I wasn’t one of them.
Now I join the ranks of millions who have a pet that fears fireworks.
I noticed it this weekend when a surrounding city was shooting off their fireworks and we were sitting out on the back patio. Sherman was out there with us and then the next thing I knew he wasn’t.
Which is very odd because Sherman is always where we are.
I called him and nothin.
I went and searched the house only to find him in the bathroom panting and drooling heavily. I immediately could tell that he was stressed.
I sat down next to him and we had a talk………….and a belly rub.
We went back outside.
Sherman went back to the bathroom.
I went back in for a talk and some more belly rubbing, then I remembered that I had some Rescue Remedy.
I gave him a few drops on his tongue and we talked some more.
He seemed to calm down a bit.
I think.
I’m not sure if it was the Rescue Remedy or the belly rubs, or a combination of both.
Seeing Sherman all upset made me all upset.
I don’t like to see my dogs get stressed.
Which makes me a little nervous for the fireworks tonight.
The city where I live blows off there fireworks basically in our backyard. (less than a mile from us)
If it wasn’t for the trees we would have the best spot in the city.
I don’t know what I am going to do with Sherman.
We are going to see the fireworks.
Sherman will be home by himself.
I have read some great articles on how to deal with a pet that is nervous with the sounds of fireworks this week.
My husband is either going to stay home with Sherman and skip going to the fireworks or I am going to leave him in the basement, where I usually leave him when we go out, and turn on the T.V. in hopes that this might drowned out some of the noise.
I might give him some Benadryl, but this will be a last minute decision.
So tell me, what do you do with your dog if they fear fireworks?
Happy 4th of July to everyone! We hope you have a safe and fun holiday!
Crystal
July 4, 2012 at 1:22 am (351 days ago)Koira is a little nervous of fireworks (though not nearly as bad as she is with garbage trucks!). I normally will simply crate her if I plan on leaving. Important to me is making sure she is tired by doing plenty of walks, play, and training during the day, so she is more likely to want to sleep when it comes time for fireworks. I have a thundershirt that was given to me a while ago, and while I don’t see any difference really with it, I still put it on her because I figure it might help a little and certainly doesn’t harm anything. I also will have the windows closed and a radio or tv on for some in-the-house noise.
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:52 am (350 days ago)Thanks Crystal! It came on so suddenly that it caught me off guard!
It has been so hot here that it is difficult to get him out and tire him out!
Part of me is hoping that it rains tonight and the fireworks are cancelled, but don’t tell the kids I said that:)
I hope Koira stays calm tonight!
Julie
July 4, 2012 at 1:27 am (350 days ago)Oh, I’m so sorry that Sherman is afraid
Cali used to be fine with them too and then at some point, they weren’t okay anymore. I’m worried about leaving her alone too. Luckily, our new windows have really helped to cut down on the sound – you can barely hear the fireworks that people have been setting off – I just heard one and she is sleeping soundly on her bed. So, we will close all of the windows and leave the TV on upstairs and downstairs. I hope you have a good 4th and Sherman feels safe and sound at home!!
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:53 am (350 days ago)So your saying I should get new windows? (lol)
I am hoping turning on the TV will help tonight!
I hope Cali stays calm tonight too:)
SUGAR: goldenwoofs
July 4, 2012 at 1:55 am (350 days ago)Woof! Woof! I might be alright this year … will see. Happy 4th! Lots of Golden ALOHA n Woofs, Sugar
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:54 am (350 days ago)Good luck Sugar! I hope you have lots of fun!
Daisy
July 4, 2012 at 5:36 am (350 days ago)We usually find a ‘safe’ place in the house and just cower.
XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
Actually, SHE usually stays with us.
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:54 am (350 days ago)I think Sherman has found the bathroom as his safe haven.
Finn
July 4, 2012 at 8:34 am (350 days ago)I think we are staying home tonight so we can entertain Finn while the booming is happening. Last year we brought her to a fireworks show and she didn’t seem to mind. SInce then, she’s become a little more fearful. We shall see. Good luck to you tonight and enjoy the holiday!
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:55 am (350 days ago)I keep going and back and forth about what I am going to do tonight, we’ll see.
I hope Finn stays calm tonight!
Bassetmomma
July 4, 2012 at 9:28 am (350 days ago)Poor Sherman! Our late basset Barney was terrified of fireworks. We used to stay in the basement with the tv turned up and an air cleaner running to help drown out the noise. He still spent the entire time on my lap drooling like crazy! Good Luck!
Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!!
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:56 am (350 days ago)That’s what I am hoping we will be able to do. Or I’ll stay home, or even better, maybe it will rain:)
jan
July 4, 2012 at 10:18 am (350 days ago)Only one of my dogs is afraid of noise, thunder, fireworks, etc. I have read a lot of sources that say the worst thing to do is comfort them because that just convinces them that there is something to be afraid of. But I would never leave her alone.
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:57 am (350 days ago)I read that too, but it is so hard not too want to comfort them. I will have to work on that!
Chelsea A
July 4, 2012 at 2:01 pm (350 days ago)When they say don’t comfort your dog, they don’t mean leave her alone – you can stay with your dog, even pet her a little, but don’t freak out with worry, don’t baby her, etc. Just act like everything’s normal and like you’re totally calm and relaxed. If your calm it can help put your dog a little more at ease, whereas if you freak out over it, “omg no poor baby!” it can scare them even worse or get them ramped up and overexcited … so definitely stay with your dog, just try to be a soothing presence.
Well, that’s my thoughts anyway.
Good luck!
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 10:54 am (349 days ago)Hi Chelsea,
Thanks for your input! I do have a tendency to baby Sherman, so I have to work on that! I don’t freak per say, but I do over love on him sometimes:)
Vicki
July 4, 2012 at 10:38 am (350 days ago)Our Buddy is also a dog afraid of fireworks. We usually keep all the windows shut, turn on the fans and air conditioners to keep both Buddy and Bea comfortable and this also helps drown out the noise outside. It works! Might be a good idea if someone stays home with him to keep him from stressing out.
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 10:59 am (350 days ago)I think that is what we are going to do, drown out the noise and someone will stay with him.
I think I am concerned that even if we drown out some the noise that the vibrations are still going to effect him since the fireworks are so close.
I hope Buddy and Bea have a quiet, stress-free evening!
Pip
July 4, 2012 at 10:41 am (350 days ago)Happy 4th of July! Pip doesn’t mind fireworks. Seriously, he sleeps right through them and we have had his hearing checked and it is fine!
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 11:00 am (350 days ago)That’s how Sherman use to be! I don’t know what happened, he must of gotten spooked somewhere along the way.
Two French Bulldogs
July 4, 2012 at 10:44 am (350 days ago)We better read those articles. I don’t care, but my Lily gets stressed
Happy July 4
Benny & Lily
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 11:00 am (350 days ago)They have some great information!
Benny-I bet you’ll protect your Lily tonight. Happy 4th!
Dachshund Nola and her Mom
July 4, 2012 at 11:49 am (350 days ago)Happy 4th! Nola was only a baby last 4th, so we shall see this year
Nola’s Mom
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 10:55 am (349 days ago)Happy 4th to you too! I hope Nola does well this year!
Lyvonne
July 4, 2012 at 11:50 am (350 days ago)So sorry about Sherman! Its so hard to watch your doggie upset and not be able to do much. I think you have some good ideas for how to keep him calm today. If your local pet store is open today, you might see if you can get a thundershirt. I know Crystal said she didn’t notice a difference in Koira (which really stinks) but so far our customers have had great experience (thankfully). Good luck today. Happy 4th!
(Glad Sherman ran into the bathroom and not away)
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 10:57 am (349 days ago)Thanks Lyvonne,
I do think if his nervousness persists that I may have to look into the Thundershirt. I have heard that it works for some and others it doesn’t. I wonder if they come in a size big enough for Newf?
dawn
July 4, 2012 at 12:18 pm (350 days ago)My first dog, Whitney, was terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks. Ace was the thing to give then, but I hated it because she was really out of it. When I finally got on the Interwebs I read about giving melatonin for this phobia by Dr. Linda Aronson, a vet behaviorist. It worked for Whitney. She acted like her normal self as long as we gave it. There’s a little bit about it here- http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/melatonin.htm
This article goes through the different methods that might help- http://www.ygrr.org/doginfo/behavior-phobia.html
Hopefully you have a safe, stress-free 4th!!
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:00 am (349 days ago)Yeah we still give out Ace at the vet for extreme cases. I don’t think Sherman is at the point of needing Ace, yet. Melatonin! Now that is one I didn’t think of, thank Dawn!
Thanks for the links too, it’s after the 4th now, but Sherman seemed to do ok with the Rescue Remedy and we turned the TV on. He seems to be fine in the house as long as we are home, and he was easily distracted with playing a game of fetch with his favorite toy. I think he may just be a mildly affected, maybe moderately:)
Pamela
July 4, 2012 at 1:47 pm (350 days ago)I guess a last minute trip to Canada is out, huh?
I recently read a book by Nicholas Dodman where he mentioned that the average age at which dogs begin fearing thunderstorms is 7 years old. Before reading that it never occurred to me that new fears could come on with age.
I think I’d better enjoy Honey’s nonchalance about big booms while it lasts.
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:03 am (349 days ago)LOL, yep!
That is interesting that you mentioned that because I was wondering if it was an anxiety that could come on with age. I’m on vacation this week, but I am going to talk to the vets about this next week.
Leroy is really laid back with the fireworks too, and well Plunger can’t hear anymore so he is fine.
Chelsea A
July 4, 2012 at 1:52 pm (350 days ago)I’m really glad you’re not doing fireworks this year … It’s terrible for poor Sherman, and I’m sure you’re bummed, but think of how scary it was for everyone else’s dogs too. You were making other dogs suffer just like your Sherman is, without even meaning to.
Still, hopefully he’ll be OK at home this year.
It’s a great holiday but I really wish people would stick to the official fireworks shows. Illegal ones are dangerous – fires, injuries, and the terror they induce in pets …
Trying to take my girl down to potty is terrifying because she spooks so bad and some people have NO sympathy at all.
I’m not trying to sound mean but I’m really glad you’ve decided against it, and I hope you realize what you’ve been doing to other people.
Love your blog, btw. It’s always fun hearing about other people’s pets.
Thanks a lot for the link to the article, too. Lots of useful tips there. Wish I had some of that Rescue Remedy stuff onhand, it sounds like it might’ve helped Sherman out and the article says it’s good too. Sigh. Too late.
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:08 am (349 days ago)Your not being mean, you are being honest which is perfectly fine.
Our neighbor is the only one who has a dog close by us,and his dog is not afraid of fireworks because I have asked in the past. Regardless, we always let him know when we are going to set off some fireworks, he is usually there with us, the person not the dog.
The Rescue Remedy seems to help Sherman again last night, and we had the TV turned on for him. He did great!
Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
July 4, 2012 at 2:39 pm (350 days ago)Years ago we had a cockapoo who was terrified of fireworks. We gave her Benedryl and she mostly slept. Luckily now Phantom is the only one who doesn’t like them but we don’t think he hears very well any more. We are hoping he will not notice them. Luckily other than a few neighbors who shoot off some fireworks, the big ones are not too close. We are so very dry here now that we are hoping the neighbors will use their heads and put off the bang bangs.
Happy Independence Day and Happy Birthday to the U.S.A.!!!
Woos = Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:10 am (349 days ago)Happy Independence Day!
You will have to let me know how Phantom did this year. Sherman seemed to do ok, Leroy was clueless and Plunger can’t hear anymore, at all.
Beth
July 4, 2012 at 3:01 pm (350 days ago)I hope the tips you’ve been reading help Sherman tonight! That’s an interesting bit about dogs becoming fearful of thunderstorms/fireworks as they age. I wouldn’t have thought that new fears come out of nowhere. Just when you think you’ve got things under control…
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:12 am (349 days ago)I know! I never thought a fear or anxiety would come out now! I am going to look into this further.
Sherman did fine, I would say he was mildly stressed, but easily distracted!
Jen
July 4, 2012 at 3:44 pm (350 days ago)Poor Sherman! I wonder what changed for him? It’s a good thing you had some Rescue Remedy on hand, maybe that will help?
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:15 am (349 days ago)Sherman has been sort of a nervous dog, but it seems to escalating as he gets older. We’ll see, the Rescue Remedy does seem to help a bit, but I think it all depends on the dog, because I know of people that have said it doesn’t work at all.
Kristine
July 4, 2012 at 4:01 pm (350 days ago)I’ve heard that noise anxiety is something that dogs can develop as they age. Shiva has never had an issue with fireworks or thunder but I know this may change one day and am careful about how we expose her. Do their ears get more sensitive with time?
I am sorry this is something Sherman is now struggling with, the summer is not an easy time for dogs on any level. Hopefully you get through the holiday without any major stress.
Happy 4th of July!
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:17 am (349 days ago)I am not sure, I am going to check with the vet and see if they have any input.
Sherman’s anxiety has increased with other things recently too, like with us being in the swimming pool.
Hawk aka BrownDog
July 4, 2012 at 4:34 pm (350 days ago)Hi Y’all,
My crazy Human thought I might be scared of fireworks. Don’t know why. Guns and thunder don’t scare me.
Last year we were at the shore where all up and down the water people set them off, beautiful ones. She locked me in my crate! After midnight she finally gave up and took me out on a lead ’cause the fireworks were still going on.
Here in the mountains, where we are this year, it’s even more rural and we don’t hear any fireworks.
Thanks for stoppin’ to visit me!
Hope y’all are havin’ a wonderful, safe 4TH! Stay cool!
Y’all come back now,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:18 am (349 days ago)Glad that those loud noises don’t get to you Hawk!
It must be nice to live in those mountains!
Misty Shores Chesapeakes
July 4, 2012 at 4:58 pm (350 days ago)That is so odd, Cheyenne doesn’t usually mind the fireworks either but last night she was panicked and yes panting and drooling heavily (I always say that’s the Newfie coming out
). The one last night was set off by my neighbors and it literally shook my house. Yup Benadryl and loud t.v. and she finally settled down and went to sleep.
Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July and Sherman makes it through with less stress!
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:19 am (349 days ago)Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that Cheyenne had a tough time!
Sherman did ok with the Rescue Remedy and the TV on, he was nervous but not too bad. Glad it’s over!
Mary, Roxy and Torrey
July 4, 2012 at 5:22 pm (350 days ago)Torrey hates any loud booming noises. Thankfully We are in a campground were we don’t have to worry about any of that.
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:20 am (349 days ago)That’s good that you guys won’t have to deal with it this year!
Happy 4th!
snoopy@snoopysdogblog
July 5, 2012 at 10:53 am (349 days ago)Hi Jen,
I hope Sherman was ok last night
I never used to be scared off them until last year (well, that was only my second year) and some firecrackers scared me.
This year I stayed inside with Mum and her sister in law and we listened to music and chatted (well, they did!)
I tried to just sleep but the loud noises kept waking me up, Mum would just pet me and I went back to sleep…..
I stayed with Mum (literally attached to her ankles) all night – I took the fastest potty break in history before bed – and now this morning – Peace!! Yay!!
Wags to all,
Your pal Snoopy
Jen
July 5, 2012 at 11:22 am (349 days ago)Thanks Snoopy! Glad you did ok through the fireworks last night and Mom was right there by your side!
Sherman seemed to do ok too. He was stressed but not to bad. When I went to let him for his potty break last night, he walked out and came right back in the house because of course someone set off a firework as soon as we stepped outside. We came in and played some catch and he seems to settle down.
Glad its over for now!
houndstooth
July 5, 2012 at 1:39 pm (349 days ago)Our best luck dealing with the fireworks and our dogs that had issues with them was to keep them in the basement, with the other dogs who weren’t stressing out, using a Thundershirt and giving them Benedryl or Melatonin. We leave the TV on for them down there, too. Our basement does a pretty good job of muting the sounds, but doesn’t do it completely. We put our worst stresser, Lilac, in a crate, too. She felt safer in there and we even covered it partway, which she liked. I’ve read a lot of places that dogs get worse about fireworks noise and storms as they get older.
Jen
July 7, 2012 at 12:06 am (348 days ago)Our basement does a pretty good job too with the TV on and the air conditioner running. I think, now that I have had time to watch him more with it, it scares him when he is outside and someone shots one off, in the house he seems to be better. Makes sense
2 brown dawgs
July 8, 2012 at 1:11 pm (346 days ago)We go to our cabin. It is in the middle of nowhere. No fireworks there. Except this year. Even though it is dry as dust, yep, some fools still had to shoot them off. Forget the dogs, this year it is just not a good idea to light anything in the forest.
As Thunder gets older, he is less tolerant of fireworks. This is a dog that will gladly sit and have a gun shot over his head. My hubby always reminds me that fireworks sound different than a duck hunting gun. Plus there is no payoff (duck) for the dog…lol.
Hope you had a nice 4th.
Jen
July 8, 2012 at 11:05 pm (346 days ago)That surprises me with Thunder since he is so use to the sounds of gunfire, but I guess it does sound a lot different and there is no payout for listening to it!
Melfr
July 9, 2012 at 12:28 am (346 days ago)I am so sorry your are joining the ranks. It’s heartbreaking to watch isn’t it?
They say some dogs seem to develop a sensitivity as they get older. Maybe that explains Sherman’s unusual reaction this time around.
Personally, I don’t hate people who want to enjoy fireworks unless they are doing them for weeks or days on end. Yes. My neighbors seem to fit into this group. For me, it’s the fact that my dog doesn’t get a break for them. She refuses to go out after 6 or 7 pm because she is so terrified. I hate thinking she is so afraid she won’t even go out for one last bathroom break.
I do two things for Daisy – Thundershirt and play Thrpugh A Fog’s Ear cd. I used to be able to just use the Thundershirt, but this year It’s not as effective as it used to be. The music really seems to be helping though.
I hope Sherman had a better time on the 4th. Poor boy.
Melfr
July 9, 2012 at 12:35 am (346 days ago)BTW- the whole “you shouldn’t comfort your dog when they are scared” things an old wives tale. Most animal behaviorist a and experts in working with fearful dogs no longer adhere to that belief.