It's that time of year when those fireworks start coming out and scaring our beloved pets, Below is a few pointers. and a bit of advice on helping your pet through a traumatic time!
How to help your dog
Signs of stress
The first thing to do if you are concerned about your dog’s reaction to fireworks is to watch him for signs of stress and anxiety. These can include:
Early experiences are very important for the development of puppies and if dogs are exposed to a variety of sights and sounds from an early age, they’re less likely to have adverse reactions when they grow up. However, there’s no guarantee that even the soundest of dogs won’t display an unexpected reaction later in life – it only takes a single scary event to induce a fear response.
What you can do
I would advise you never to:
If you take all these steps and your dog is still very distressed by firework noise, you may need some additional help from a specialist, such as a health advisor, dog trainer, behaviourist or vet.
The earlier in advance you begin your preparations, the more likely it is that your dog will be able to cope with the sound of fireworks. A vet can give you specific techniques to help him to adjust to sudden sounds in a safe environmnent, or refer you to a behaviourist.
If you are a guide dog owner, or a volunteer working with guide dogs or pups, and are having difficulties with your dog because of fireworks, please contact your local Guide Dogs staff.
If there is anthing you feel i have missed please feel free to contact an admin of the group with your suggestions.
How to help your dog
Signs of stress
The first thing to do if you are concerned about your dog’s reaction to fireworks is to watch him for signs of stress and anxiety. These can include:
- trembling
- restlessness
- destructiveness
- hiding
- pacing
- panting
- attention seeking
- shaking
- escape behaviour
- loss of house training
- whining
- barking
Early experiences are very important for the development of puppies and if dogs are exposed to a variety of sights and sounds from an early age, they’re less likely to have adverse reactions when they grow up. However, there’s no guarantee that even the soundest of dogs won’t display an unexpected reaction later in life – it only takes a single scary event to induce a fear response.
What you can do
- Making sure his environment is safe and that he cannot escape.
- Ensuring he always wear a collar and disk – just in case of a successful escape attempt.
- Trying to ignore any signs of restlessness and stress and rewarding any calm, relaxed behaviour.
- Preparing a “den” for him, away from windows.
- Covering a table with a blanket or placing his bed behind a sofa where he will feel safe, secure and comfortable.
- Food and water so they can get drink or eat if agitated and any favourite toys or blankets.
I would advise you never to:
- Let your dog go outside when fireworks are sounding, even if he shows no signs of stress.
- Exercise or walk him when fireworks are likely.
- Punish your dog for being frightened.
- Leave him alone during the firework period.
- Fuss or try and reassure your dog when he is frightened, as this rewards the fear behaviour and will encourage him to repeat it.
- Take your dog to a firework display.
If you take all these steps and your dog is still very distressed by firework noise, you may need some additional help from a specialist, such as a health advisor, dog trainer, behaviourist or vet.
- Closing the curtains to reduce the likelihood of flashes, and turning on the TV or radio.
- Feeding your dog before the noise starts – this should encourage him to rest.
- Not leaving him alone – dogs are pack animals and need the security and confidence provided by the presence of others.
- Finding him a friend! The companionship of a confident dog can give reassurance to a fearful one.
- Occupying him with food-filled toys or other fun activities.
- Choosing safe times for exercise and relief.
- Temporarily moving his sleeping area. Moving it closer to you can increase his confidence.
- Remaining calm and relaxed yourself (even if you’re frightened of fireworks too!).
The earlier in advance you begin your preparations, the more likely it is that your dog will be able to cope with the sound of fireworks. A vet can give you specific techniques to help him to adjust to sudden sounds in a safe environmnent, or refer you to a behaviourist.
If you are a guide dog owner, or a volunteer working with guide dogs or pups, and are having difficulties with your dog because of fireworks, please contact your local Guide Dogs staff.
If there is anthing you feel i have missed please feel free to contact an admin of the group with your suggestions.