We’ve spent many 4th of Julys at the beach - blankets spread out in the sand, kids running in and out of the surf, sparklers and the sky lighting up in a spectacular display of color and sound. We look forward to it all year. But while we’re enjoying the 4th of July fireworks, our dogs have had a very different experience.
Both our black labs, Jetty and Spirit, would hide in the closet, pant heavily, and tremble. Our friend’s dog used to try to dig under the couch as soon as the first boom hit. It’s heartbreaking to see your dog so distressed and not know how to make it stop.
As our dogs got older, we’ve noticed that they struggle even more than they used to. When they were younger, they might be startled but bounce back quickly, but as senior dogs, they react more intensely.
Why Fireworks Can Be Harder on Older Dogs
As dogs age, a few key changes can make them more sensitive to the sights and sounds of fireworks:
How to Help Your Senior Dog Cope
Here’s what we’ve learned works best—especially for older dogs:
And once the fireworks fade and the night settles down? That’s when we reward our pups with their favorite dog treat from The Old Dog Cookie Company. It’s our way of saying, you were brave, and you’re safe.
Wishing you and your furry companions a calm, comforting, and safe 4th of July.
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