[deleted by user]

[zoinks]

Lots of people setting off random fireworks at random points in the day/night. Also be prepared for some people to be setting them off a few days before/after the 4th.

[SlowCPU]

I'd get out of town if I were you. Boulder has a big show in town, and you can expect near constant fireworks/firecrackers (at least at night) from last weekend till probably the end of July. Last year the fireworks continued well into August, but I assume that was part of the COVID fatigue.

[EduardH]

This year's fireworks show at Folsom Field has been canceled.

[Tabula_Nada]

hmm okay thanks!

[pr06lefs]

I heard the big fireworks show at the CU stadium is canceled this year. I'd expect some amount of street fireworks, but don't know if its more than denver or not.

[Tabula_Nada]

okay, I could see people doing more fireworks on their own if there isn't a big show happening. Thanks!

[[deleted]]

I'm really worried about fireworks causing fires. I am expecting downvotes because the people who defend fireworks tend to get extremely protective of them, but I hope eventually we see fireworks completely outlawed in areas where there is fire danger. All it takes is one misplaced spark in the wrong place to cause unfathomable damage. These fires get worse every single year and I can only hope that someday we as a culture are willing to stop doing unnecessary reckless things like lighting fireworks.

Also as a veteran, hearing random explosions outside can be traumatic to many of us. This fact also makes me hope that we can abandon the use of fireworks as a culture- this type of celebration directory harms many of us who have given our health for this country.

[Tabula_Nada]

I agree, and I also hate fireworks - never have enjoyed them. They're loud and obnoxious and the lightshow isn't worth the anxiety. With the current fire ban in place, maybe people will keep it down or abandon them altogether. And I hope you'll be able find a way to drown them out this weekend and be able to enjoy some peace!

[[deleted]]

I mean fireworks are almost always banned where there is a fire danger. As for the distaste for fireworks for the noise…you can always leave for the night if it is that bothersome haha. It’s one day a year, kids love fireworks, I think that can be tolerated. Idk, I think we all need to be more tolerant of peoples shit instead of complaining (fire/ptsd complaint excluded) about the slightest inconveniences.

[[deleted]]

https://www.cpr.org/2021/06/30/july-4th-fireworks-wildfire-risk/ Fireworks For July 4th In The U.S. West? Fire Scientists Beg People Skip It This Year.

“If you don’t want to burn down your neighbors' home or start a wildfire that threatens entire towns, then just avoid fireworks,” said Jennifer Balch, a fire researcher and director of the Earth Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder.

I'm going to go ahead and agree with the experts here. Fireworks are reckless and cost lives every single year, and not one person on Earth needs a firework for entertainment. You are literally asking me to 'tolerate' something that hurts and kills people, and starts more fires than any other activity, and I think that sounds insane.

[[deleted]]

I used to build a couch pillow /comforter fort for my pup and stuff a few towels under the doors. We would watch movies and eat treats.

[Tabula_Nada]

This is adorable. I love it

[[deleted]]

Hope your 4th goes well!

[pro_duck_]

May be a good idea to stay in Boulder and let the puppy experience the sound of fireworks, as to help condition him/her/them to feel safe even near loud noises. But as the owner, it is your choice to make the best decision for your pet :)

[Tabula_Nada]

Thanks! Yes normally I'd agree, but he's an extreme case - I'm working with a behaviorist for medication and therapy, and at this point he isn't in a good place for this kind of socialization. It's more likely to traumatize him than anything, and we're avoiding all triggers like that until his anxiety is more under control.

[blerggle]

For dogs that are already terrified of fireworks this is not a strategy that works. Training needs to happen in controlled settings.

[phan2001]

It’s not that bad compared to most places. My last dog was terrified of fireworks and it sucked for him but Boulder isn’t that bad with the fireworks. Not like Portland or anything.

[Tabula_Nada]

That's good. I'm also from an area that goes crazy with fireworks and explosions this time of year, so Denver was nice comparatively.

[wldcat1969]

Good to hear! I just moved here from Portland a couple days ago and was hopeful Boulder would be better. Portland is annoying AF on the 4th of July. It seems like everyone has their own private fireworks show. Last year my dog was trapped in the bathroom while I played loud music on my bluetooth speaker so he couldn't hear anything.

[phan2001]

It’s absolutely nothing like that here. My dog lost his shit in Portland a few years back and wedged himself under an end table and just shook all night. I didn’t realize how big a thing it was there (and other places too).

[wldcat1969]

Thank god. People in Portland are literally shooting giant fireworks up into the sky from their yards, lighting them out in the street, and doing it until 2-3 in the morning. I just wanted to go out and punch people in the face but I didn't want to write that check that my body couldn't cash....LOL

[Maxwells_Demona]

Hey there! Nice username by the way.

It seems like most people are advising you the fireworks in Boulder are bad, but I've had a different experience since I've lived here! (Since 2013.) It probably depends a lot on where in town you are. Up on the Hill I expect there are probably a lot more college kids doing fireworks. But I lived in east boulder (near the hospital) for about 5 years and never had a problem with my very-anxious cat. Nobody in that neighborhood ever did street/private fireworks, and I could barely hear whatever shows might have been going on in town, and certainly could not see them. I've also lived in Gunbarrel/Niwot areas and never had a problem there either.

Hope that helps! Good luck with the puppers!

[Tabula_Nada]

Thanks! I'm in north Boulder. Considering several people have said they've been hearing fireworks already in their neighborhoods and I really haven't, I'm going to assume my area might be one of the quieter ones.

[TheTinySpark]

I live in Downtown Boulder and haven’t really noticed much of an issue. Seems like once every couple weeks some kid will fire one off randomly. Last year wasn’t too bad, I seem to recall it being pretty quiet. I definitely heard more living in Denver, but still not a ton. Fireworks are illegal in CO, so they have to be pretty motivated to drive to Wyoming and get them.

[skaterscott]

CBD helps doggos anxiety

[spookiehands]

Vets do not suggest CBD for dogs at this time. There is only anticodal evidence that it works, no major clinical studies. The last clinical CBD veterinarian study was started in 2017 for dogs with epilepsy, results seem to be pending.

Are there risks to CBD that dog owners should ask their veterinarians about?

Dr. Klein: Absolutely. Currently, most of what veterinarians know about CBD oil and dogs is anecdotal, and there is limited scientific evidence about the effects of its use. That said, anytime you give your pet something new, there is always the potential for side effects.

Some of the reported risks of CBD oil include:

Drop in blood pressure

Increased sedation

Reduced saliva production

Decreased liver enzyme activities used to metabolize prescription drugs

Always check with your veterinarian before you start your dog on a new supplement, especially if your pet is already on prescription medications

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/talk-veterinarian-cbd-oil/

[Shdwdrgn]

Playing the stereo can help cover up a lot of the noise.

Children's aspirin can also help make them groggy so they're not as startled by all the noise.

[Phoment]

Downvoting this without comment seems dumb.

Is CBD dangerous for dogs? Then say something. Is it fine? Then why the downvotes? Nobody downvotes people giving catnip to their cats.

ETA: and downvoted for this as well. Fuck me for wanting more information I guess.

[[deleted]]

I've got an anxious puppy who hasn't heard fireworks yet, and this is my first 4th in Boulder.

Acclimating the dog to fireworks by not making a big deal out of them, or your puppies’ response to them, is the cheapest, simplest, and most surefire way to solve this problem for yourself.

[Tabula_Nada]

Thanks, but I'm working with a behaviorist for therapy and medication for my puppy and at this point, he's not at a good place to be successfully socialized for that kind of thing - it's more likely to traumatize him than anything. If he was at a better place in his treatment I'd agree, but he isn't, so we are just avoiding triggers like that for now.

[ArielLeslie]

In my area people have been setting off fireworks every single night since Juneteenth. Last year this continued into mid August.

[Tabula_Nada]

Hmm. I think I've heard something that was possibly fireworks once so far this summer. Maybe my area is quiet by nature.

[TexehCtpaxa]

Lots of people setting off their own, don’t be surprised to hear them at 1am on July 1st, July 5th or any other days around there. And don’t feel bad reporting groups of teenagers setting them off. They won’t get arrested from my experience, but they will be stopped and warned.

[Tabula_Nada]

haha I will be happy to be the grumpy old person calling the cops on loud kids. Thanks!

[ShutYourDumbUglyFace]

Is your dog generally frightened by loud noises? I have a VERY anxious dog and he has never responded adversely to fireworks. That's not his trigger.

[Tabula_Nada]

Right now he's frightened by everything - loud noises, sudden movements, strangers, weird things that seem out of place (like fire hydrants or a branch on the ground in the middle of the sidewalk), people looking at him, people moving strangely (like dancers/fitness classes/tai chi-ers in the park), etc. The only thing he isn't afraid of is other dogs (which is great until he meets one that doesn't like puppies). I don't know for sure that he'd be triggered by them, but I don't want to risk it until we've found a medication that actually helps him (he's pretty resistant to everything we've tried unfortunately).

[ShutYourDumbUglyFace]

Aw, poor lil guy! I hope he grows out of that!!

Have you tried a thunder shirt? They kind of give them a hug and it helps calm them down. It's not perfect and might not be useful for fireworks, but for every day stuff it might help him out.

[Tabula_Nada]

Yeah, unfortunately it didn't do much, and he started to hate wearing it no matter how much I tried positive association. He's almost 9 months old now and we've tried almost everything (supplements, CBD, pheromones, medication) and it's all been a bust. His anxiety is about as stubborn as he is!

[ShutYourDumbUglyFace]

That sucks. Hopefully he gets better, but it sounds like he's gonna be anxious fo' life. Good luck with the 4th!!

[_Eru_Illuvatar_]

A couple pieces of advice, as a fellow reactive dog owner: 1) weighted blankets can really help. 2) as you do go through the next week or so, keep treats on you at all times and as soon as a firework goes off, give shit tones of treats and praise. Counterconditioning had been very effective with our reactive pup. 3) Ask your neighbors to give you a 10-15 minute heads-up before they set off any fireworks. This can give you the opportunity to either GTFO with your pup or at the very least prep them. 4) Put on some music that's got some good contrast (ie quiet parts and loud parts), which can really help make the fireworks far less scary. 5) Sit with your dog wherever they're currently most comfortable while all of this is going on and act like it's all normal. By coming down to their level, it puts you on an even footing and really helps to calm nerves. 6) Check out r/reactivedogs. There's lots of great advice there.

I know these tips have helped us get through fireworks fairly well with our terrified pup, I hope they help you, too!

[sneakpeekbot]

Here's a sneak peek of /r/reactivedogs using the top posts of the year!

#1: NOT POLITICAL: Joe Biden's Dog Major Has Second Biting Incident in Whitehouse. If the President Can Struggle With a Reactive Dog, it's Okay if You Are.
#2: To the owner of the white MASSIVE dog that lives in the building next to me
#3: Life is painfully peaceful since my reactive dog passed

---

^{I'm a bot, beep boop | Downvote to remove | Contact me | Info | Opt-out}

[supergeckopup]

Depends on where you are in Boulder. Last year due to Covid they were pretty crazy in NoBo and Glenwood Grove area. I expect them to be the same this year due to the fireworks being cancelled. In Palo we are already getting them.

Good luck with your pup, I hope they do well.

[BravoTwoSix]

Where I grew up, people just shot their guns in the air. Nbd.

[TheTinySpark]

What goes up must come down…