Instead Of Partying On The 4th Of July, These People Ease Terrified Shelter Animals During Fireworks

Jul 02, 2019 by apost team

Volunteers at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter in Arizona will give up their 4th of July celebrations this year so they can do something a little different—they’ll be hanging out with the dogs at the shelter, singing, sitting, and soothing them when the incredibly loud bangs are going off outside the door.

Most dogs are understandably scared of the loud and sudden sounds of fireworks and The New York Times reports that the 5th of July is the busiest day for animal shelters around the country because of runaways.

The Times talked to vets who recounted stories of dogs who raced into traffic, got stuck in tight places, and even chewed on door handles. It’s a very serious problem for the sensitive animals and Dr. Melissa Bain describes it as a “true panic disorder with a complete flight response.”

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Dr. Bain also recommends soothing your dog and says, “You can’t reinforce anxiety by comforting a dog,” she told The New York Times, “You won’t make the fear worse. Do what you need to do to help your dog.” With that in mind, the Maricopa County Animal Shelter put out a call for some caring volunteers. The public response was so touching to see, with people lining the aisles on their own chairs and mats just being there for the dogs.

The annual “Comfort the Canines” event welcomed approximately 200 people last year to sit with the animals and soothe them outside the shelter cages for the first time. Volunteer Amy Engel posted on Facebook to say “...it was so so awesome because the dogs absolutely love the attention and were focused on the people and not the fireworks going on outside.”

What else can dog owners do for their fur babies during the fireworks? The ASPCA recommends a few solutions including:

  • Keeping your pet indoors in a room away from windows towards the interior of the house. It might help to turn on some soft music.

  • There are anxiety vests on the market to swaddle dogs, but a snug t-shirt might also work.

  • You can talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medicine as an option for your pet. Your vet might recommend doing a practice dose and will definitely remind you not to give the medication to your other animals.

The shelter dogs must be so grateful for all of these wonderful volunteers. What do you do for your dog during fireworks or a thunderstorm? Tell us your tips in the comments and be sure to pass this article along!