Justine Abbate

Did you know that more pets run away on July 4th than any other day of the year? 30% of canines are lost each year from July 4-6. The loud noise from fireworks may cause your dog to become hyper vigilant. For a better understanding of your dog’s behavior and how to comfort them on this July 4th here are a few facts on the psychology of dogs: 

1. Insight: Psychologists at Emory University’s Canine Cognitive Neuroscience Lab recently set out to understand canine brain function in comparison to humans. Researchers found similarities in the structure-function relationship in animal brains and human brains suggesting that dogs also have emotions that are similar to ours.

Safety Tip: Observe the moods and actions of your dog to know if they are getting restless. The signs are usually yawning a lot, getting stiff, chewing, scratching, shivering and hiding.

 

2. Insight: MRIs of the canine brain indicate that dogs experience positive emotions similar to that of a human child. Among other things, crowds with unfamiliar humans may trigger overwhelming or negative feelings in a dog’s brain.

Safety Tip: If you decide on taking your dog outdoors, make sure their collar or harness is tight enough and they are on leash. Hold onto the collar/harness just in case they try to run away.

 

3. Insight: MRI testing has shown that a canine brain reacts similarly to sounds of joy and pain in much the same way as a human, meaning that dogs are able to understand the differences in human vocal intonations and the meanings behind them.

Safety Tip: Provide a safe space for your dog to stay. Keep your dog indoors, if possible. It provides them a sense of comfort and familiar surroundings will help them calm down.

 

4. Insight: Dogs also learn from human emotions. A dog can translate their owner’s emotions and behaviors to the object a person is looking at. Thus, your dog may be more likely to interact with a toy that you have already interacted with positively.

Safety Tip: Keep the fireworks, charcoals, sparklers away from your curious canines. Instead, provide toys filled with peanut butter or a bone to keep them distracted for a long time.

Source: Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201709/in-the-minds-dogs

 

More July 4th Pet Safety Tips:

 

  1. Be sure your dog is wearing proper identification in the event and is visible on the collar at all times.
  2. Keep the fireworks, charcoals, sparklers away from your curious canines. Instead, provide toys filled with peanut butter or a bone to keep them distracted for a long time.
  3. It’s always a good idea to help your dog get some exercise. Take your dog for a run or a long walk before fireworks and exert all that energy so that it allows them to rest.

 

 

 

Subscribe to Blog