Tips to help your dog through firework season.
It’s September as I write, which only gives us a couple of months to ready our dogs for the onslaught of continual loud explosions throughout the night, for several weeks. Terrifying for many of our canine friends, not to mention cats, horses, birds etc.
We have Guy Fawkes night, closely followed by Diwali, followed by New Year’s Eve, sometimes with not much respite in between. If you live in a city, like I do, you will be bracing yourself for this tricky time ahead for our pets.
Before the big day
You can practise some noise desensitising exercises.
Get the sound of fireworks on YouTube.
Turn the volume down low.
Create a safe cosy space with his favourite toys- a crate or den perhaps, covered by a blanket.
Feed and treat your dog in this safe space as he listens to the sounds. Just for a few minutes. If he is too scared to eat, turn the volume down to a level he can cope with.
Gradually turn the volume up over the coming days and weeks and continue to treat your dog and play games with him as he listens to the noise. Gradually increase the length of time you play the firework noise for .
During the actual night
Make sure he has had loads of exercise that day, so he has less energy left for pacing and being anious.
Stay home with your dog if you can.
Close curtains and go to a room which is furthest away from the noise or to the safe space you created for him in the upcoming weeks.
Turn some music on. I find that reggae works well! Its happy music. Feel free to smile and dance. If your dog sees you are carefree he will feel more relaxed too.
If your dog wants to go hide, let him.
Use a thundershirt on him or tie a wooly scarf around his body. This acts like swaddling to a baby and makes them feel secure.
Do soothe and show him you are there to protect him, but don’t look anxious or worried as you do, or he will pick up on this vibe and it will make him feel more anxious. Think more ‘silly old goat, its only noise’ rather than ‘ its ok, its ok, mummy’s here’.
Use plug in diffusers and collars like Adaptil to calm anxious dogs, by releasing pheromones. If you’ve tried these with no success, speak to your vet about prescribing something stronger.
If you come home and your dog has been destructive or toileted, do not be angry. This is just a product of fear and you will know for next time now what to do.
Need any help?