How to Help Your Dog (and Horse) During Firework Holidays

It’s that time of the year again. The time when families gather, food is prepared, we celebrate our country's freedom, and yes - fireworks.

For the non-animal family, it's just another day to celebrate; however, those of us with animals can feel the anxiety coming way before that first boom of those beautiful fireworks. 

So what will we do to prepare our dogs and horses to ensure they are safe and their anxiety is as low as possible?

Let’s start first by focusing on our pampered pups. You know your dog the best, so take a peek at these tips and make sure you have a plan in place.

1. Keep them inside
2. Make sure they have access to their favorite spot
3. Play music or white noise
4. Exercise your dog before the fireworks start
5. Stay home with them, if possible
6. Provide a distraction
7. Close curtains
8. Keep your dog on a leash if you go outside
9. Make sure they have access to plenty of water
10. Have updated tags on their collars

Statistics show that more pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year.

Many pet owners will immediately resort to medication, as it is one of the fastest and most effective methods to soothe anxiety. But this isn’t the best option to go to first as these medications can have harsh side effects. 

The most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety in dogs are shown to increase their sensitivity to noise. Many times, with a more holistic approach, there will be fewer (or no) side effects. Take, for example, something less invasive and more natural, like anti-anxiety vests. 

Pet owners have been using far-infrared emitting blankets and gear for their pets to promote blood circulation and increase mobility—but what they also found is that it can also help promote mood relaxation and better behavior in animals. 

The science behind far-infrared emitting products is in our technical fabrics—infused throughout each product are 30 lead-free minerals that emit far-infrared wavelengths that penetrate down to the deep tissue level to dilate capillaries and increase blood circulation. 

The products have been proven to provide several benefits like pain relief, relaxation, and increased mobility. Benefab® developed the far-infrared emitting Canine Comfort & Care Shirt for animals in a range of sizes to assure the best swaddle for any size dog, and even most cats (XS size). 

The Benefab® Therapeutic Comfort & Care Shirt is designed to reduce anxiety, and stress but ALSO promote blood circulation, which aids in reducing pain and stiffness—a DOUBLE WIN. Not only can anxious, aggressive, and excited dogs benefit from this product, but also elderly, athletic, and injured dogs.

So now that our dogs are safe, what about our larger 4-legged friends - the horse?

This can be a bit tricker because of their size and, although we may want to, bringing them in the house to cuddle with us isn’t an option. 

Here are a few simple tips to ensure your horse is safe while you celebrate:

1. Keep your horse's routine the same as you normally would. If your horses are in at night, stick to that routine, leave the lights on and turn on the radio with soothing music. Music or the noise of a fan may help to dull the shock of the fireworks noises.
2. Make sure to keep yourself safe and do not stay in the stall or in the pasture with your horse. Scared horses can be unpredictable and it is highly unlikely you could hold your horse still in the event they panicked.
3. Before the sun goes down make sure to check all fences, gates, and other latches to ensure everything is secured in the event your horses get running. Also, check for holes or other places in your pasture that could injure your horse if they are running around in a panic.
4. Make sure your horse has proper identification in the event they get out. It can be something as simple as writing your phone number on a hoof with a sharpie marker, a halter identification tag, or an embroidered fetlock or neckband.
5. If your horses are normally kept in a pasture vs the barn, a larger turnout is preferable to a smaller arena or pasture. You want to make sure your horse does not feel trapped.
6. If you have a young or very sensitive horse, take the next year and work on desensitizing them to loud popping noises and fireworks. This will not only benefit you and your horse on the 4th of July but all throughout the year making your horse much safer.

We are confident that you will find these tips helpful and here’s to a safe 4th of July for you and all your 4-legged friends!