VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - As fireworks light up the skies this Independence Day, they can also trigger fear and anxiety in our four-legged friends. Loud booms and bright flashes may be festive for us, but for dogs, they can be terrifying.

Dr. Amanda Hall-Phillips, owner Southern Hound Club, said, “Gosh, last night at my house, there were fireworks, and that was [July] first. S o we almost need to start on Monday before.”

Dr. Hall-Phillips has owned the Southern Hound Club since 2018. As a behavior veterinarian, she has witnessed several mistakes by pet owners during Fourth of July celebrations — one of the biggest is using Benadryl to sedate dogs.

She said, “Benadryl normally doesn’t do the trick on days like the Fourth of July when there are so many fireworks.”

Hall-Phillips said there are multiple prescribed medications to help dogs get through fireworks. Some take as little as 15 minutes and other up to two hours to take effect.

“I advise my clients [whose] dogs are on medication to get through the fireworks is to start the day before, so it’s well in their system. And then keep on a schedule throughout the holiday weekend,” Halls-Phillip said.

Tips for pet owners:

• Provide updated contact information on your pets collar or ID tag.
• Register the microchip information.
• Keep on schedule with medication.
• Close gates or doors leading outside
• Have a safe place for retreat: closet, shed, bathroom. 
• Cover dog crate with a thick quilt or comforter. 
• Use background music, television, etc. to muffle sound of fireworks.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.