Every year GHG receives calls from adopters whose greyhound has run away due to fear of fireworks. Sadly, our greyhound was found dead after spooking from the neighbor’s fireworks a few years ago. The following are some tips you can follow to help protect your greyhound from firework fright:
- Do not leave your dog outside unattended in the yard, even if it is fenced. Dogs can spook and just run blindly when trying to get away from the noise.
- If your dog is comfortable in the basement, it is less likely to hear the fireworks. Play the TV or radio to drown out firework noise. Also, cotton in your dog’s ears may help (just remember to take the cotton out once the fireworks are over.)
- If you are out somewhere with your dog, make sure you have the leash wrapped tightly around your wrist in case the dog tries to run or becomes frightened. Place your hand through the leash handle and wrap the leash around your hand twice. Keep your hand clasped tightly around the wrapped leash. Never let go of the leash. Even better, it’s best not to have your greyhounds outside at all during a fireworks display.
- You can try giving your dog an adult dose of Benedryl, which may make him or her sleepy and therefore calmer (test your dog’s reaction to Benedryl prior to use during a firework display, some dogs react differently). Comfort Zone is a D.A.P, (Dog Appeasing Hormone), is a non-invasive and all natural way to treat anxiety in dogs. We have received positive feedback from foster homes and new adopters who have been using Comfort Zone to manage separation anxiety. Comfort Zone is an oil heated by a plug-in infuser which disperses the hormone throughout the room. It has a calming effect on dogs once they have inhaled the hormone for a time, so plug it in a day or so ahead of time if you can. You can get it at most pet stores. If you know your dog has a known fear of fireworks, check with your veterinarian for a stronger sedative prior to the event.
- Make sure your dog is wearing identification on its collar and consider having him or her microchipped. Double check to make sure the collar is fitted properly and not too lose. It’s bad enough to have a greyhound out running loose, but worse when it does not have any ID on it because it has slipped its collar.
We hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday!
From “Surviving the 4th of July with your Greyhound”, by Jeanne Megrey