To humans, fireworks are awesome! They're fun, they're loud, and they make big brilliant colors that light up the sky! What says, "I'm proud to be living in a free country, the wonderful United States of America!" like some fireworks?! In my neighborhood at least, eveybody will be setting off fireworks, sometimes all night long even after I'm ready to go to sleep. Then there's our best friends, our canine companions. To them it's the scariest thing! To their sensitive hearing, it's like cannons going off in the house! Followed by vrabration and the skies light up and the light flashes through the windows, I swear if my dogs could speak they would tell me there's a war going on outside and not to go out in it!

The four dogs in my household range from 'slightly on edge' to 'HOLY COW GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!! NOWWWW!' This is what helps us when firework are blasting throughout the night:

• Let your dogs out before all the festivities and if you have to take your dog out during the fireworks be sure to take her out on a properly fitted collar and on leash.
• Take your dog for a long tiring walk or do some strenuous activity before the night. This will help burn off excess energy that could otherwise add to your dog's anxiety.
• Keep your dogs (and cats too!) inside, dogs left outside can find ways to out of a fenced yard to escape the scary noises.
• If you can, stay home with them. Your presence makes a big difference. My dog's are less anxious when I'm there.
• Essential oils like Stress Away, Peace and Calming, Lavender, and Valor are all extremely helpful. I have a diffuser that I put the oil in and put it in the room with the dogs to promote confidence and a sense of comfort. I also pet the oils on the dog's back.
• Give them a safe place. If your dog loves hiding in the closet or under the bed, just let her. This is not a "come on, face your fears" type of thing. Even better, set up a comfy place in a room or in their crate with your dog's favorite bed, blanket, and toys!
• Keep the tv turned on or radio to mask the noise. There's also some comforting music called Through a Dog's Ear that we just love.
• Keep your dog's ID tag on his collar...just in case!
• Closing the windows, pulling the blinds down and pulling the curtains to helps block out the bright light that bothers dogs.
• Thundershirts help a lot of dogs as well.
• A busy dog is a happy dog! KONGs, treat toys, chews, and food puzzles keep your dog occupied and content during the display. 
• HomeoPet Anxiety TFLN is a must-have in our house. 
• This part may sound crazy to some, but just talk to your dog. Tell them ahead of time what will happen on that crazy night, show the dog pictures (visualize in your head the fireworks, your smiling, and the dog laying peacefully). 
• If you're having guests over, plan ahead and teach your dog alternative behaviors, keep your dog away from the guests in their safe place. And always SUPERVISE children aroud your dog! In their anxious state of mind a dog bite is much more likely to occur.

Enjoy the holiday and remember to be safe and don't drink and drive my friends!