Care For Your Pooch During Fireworks

Exhaust Your Pooch

Wear your dog out by taking it a long walk or exposing it to some vigorous activity earlier in the day. A romp in a dog park nearby is always a good way to tire out your dog to a point that by the time the Fourth of July festivities begin, your pooch will be too worn-out to notice. 

Cater to the Dog 

Turn what could well be a distressing evening into a happy playtime by getting your dog a couple of new squeaky toys, ropes and bones. Stop by on Eagle Rock Boulevard, which, in case you didn’t know, has been in business at the same location since 1967 and offers everything from toys and treats to food and doggie bedding items.

Feed him your dog its favorite dinner, making sure it's fully satisfied. Spend some extra time with it and indulge in lots of petting and snuggling. A new toy, a good meal—and love—will make him feel safe, not unlike a human.

Hire an Animal Communicator

If your dog is absolutely terrified of fireworks, consider hiring Patrice Ryan, the “Hollywood pet psychic.” An animal communicator, Ryan lives in Glendale, and she can conduct a phone session or visit you and your dog at home or elsewhere to conduct a psychic reading. More information about Ryan’s work with dogs is available at her website, www.patriceryan.com.

Bear with the Dog

If all else fails, and your dog freaks out anytime today, there's not much else you can do. Close the curtains and windows so your four-legged friend can't see or hear the blasts (the flashing lights can cause anxiety in the dog just as the noise does). Have a comfortable crate or area ready for your dog to retreat to. Turn on the air conditioner, making your pooch comfortably cool. Have a bowl of water ready, and turn on music or the television to somewhat drown out the fireworks.

Morning After Therapy

Depending on how things go today, you might want to pamper your dog the next day. We suggest a short trip to Glassell Park, where Wagville (2400 N. San Fernando Rd.) offers dogs a massage. At a dollar a minute, a preferred minimum of 30 minutes isn’t exactly cheap, but rest assured that you dog will return home relaxed after the massage—and that can be a blessing particularly for those of our canine companions who happen to suffer from arthritis or other painful conditions. Wagville also offers doggie daycare, with webcams to watch the action while you’re at work.