Fireworks and Bulldogs
Every year on the Fourth of July I used to have to sit with Mugsy and try and comfort her instead of going out to see fireworks. She was worth it and I don’t feel like I missed anything. There were always a lot of flashing lights and pops around my neighborhood that upset her. She would shake like a leaf the whole time once the popping started. I’d turn up the TV and make sure she couldn’t hear it too much and do whatever I could to try and distract her. Not every dog is afraid of loud noises but a lot of them are. Dogs have very sensitive hearing and loud noises might be fun for us but not for them. Shelters report a high instance of lost pets during this holiday because dogs get so scared they panic and bolt out of the house and try and run away from it. Make sure your pup is microchipped and has on their ID so if they do run from you, you’ll be able to get them back.
Harley and Tank on the other hand were amazing with fireworks and loved to watch them. They would sit in the back of our truck and just be fascinated by the colors and sounds. Every dog is different. So in a nut shell? Know the dog you have and try and help them as best as you can if fireworks scare them. Please don’t leave them alone to handle it by themselves when you want to go to a party or be out watching the fun. If you have to leave make sure they are in a safe place with white noise going on so it lessens the popping and booming.
Keep them away from glow sticks that can poison them, sparklers that can burn them, party food that can harm them like alcohol, grapes, chocolate and onions. Always be mindful of high temperatures and heat stroke at this time of year too. It stays hot now even in the evening. Remember the rule, 70 degrees is perfect for your bully. If it’s hotter than that outside they need to be inside in the air conditioning.
We had a thunder shirt for Nipsey that worked well when he was stressed. You can pick those up online or at pet stores. It wraps around them helping to make them feel secure. Here is the link on Amazon to check one out..
If your bulldog is absolutely terrified of fireworks consider getting a sedative from your vet to keep them calm for the evening. It’s not ideal but it’s better than the alternative. The best thing to do is to stay with them and keep them calm and comforted. Have a great Fourth of July and keep your baby safe!!
