As Guy Fawkes night approaches in the Uk where the main attraction will be bonfires and fireworks, there'll be many dog owners stressing about having dogs that are scared of fireworks.
While it's a reasonably common fear amongst dogs, and we find it easy understand that they're frightened by the loud and unpredictable sounds, firework events only happen a few times a year so it is hard to get a dog acclimatized to the sounds.
How Do Dogs React against the Sound of Fireworks?
The way dogs react to the sound of fireworks can range all the way from slight unease to blind panic. Some dogs will creep away and find a spot to hide such as under a bed or in a cabinet, while others will bolt and try wildly to run away from the noise. Lots of dogs will bark and whine during the display, while others will shake with fear.
Use caution if you are out with your dog in a firework display as some scared dogs will try running away. You will need to make sure you have a firm hold of their lead and they aren't in a position to slip their collar. The same approach is necessary if you've got a dog that panics indoors also , ensure you contain them or have them on a lead so they cannot damage themselves or anyone else while they are wild.
How To Help a Dog Afraid of Fireworks
First 1 or 2 don'ts:
*Don't expose your dog unnecessarily to fireworks as it won't assist them in getting use to the noise and is more likely to increase their fear.
*Don't make a big fuss of your dog when they're fearful as this can encourage them to think that their behaviour is the right response.
*Don't get anxious yourself as this could get picked up on by your dog and will only increase their anxiousness.
What you can do to help:
If you've got the time, you can try to desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks. You can purchase CD's with the noise of fireworks on you can play to your dog, starting with a low setting and steadily building the sound levels and length of exposure overtime. You will need to couple this with things your dog reacts positively to like treats or play.
Stay calm and do not respond to the fireworks yourself. Act as if they are nothing to be concerned about. If your dog wants to go and hide, let them and make sure you do not make any fuss.
Use background noise like music, the radio or Television to try to block out the fireworks and check your windows are closed and the dog can spend some time as far away from the noise as possible.
If you have got a dog with a very extreme fear of fireworks that really gets out of control, it may be worth talking to a vet about prescribing anti-anxiety medicine.
If you are going to the firework display yourself and leaving your dog home alone, ensure that you leave them in a safe and secure environment where they cannot hurt themselves. Do not give them access to the outside during the fireworks as they can react terribly unpredictably.
While it's a reasonably common fear amongst dogs, and we find it easy understand that they're frightened by the loud and unpredictable sounds, firework events only happen a few times a year so it is hard to get a dog acclimatized to the sounds.
How Do Dogs React against the Sound of Fireworks?
The way dogs react to the sound of fireworks can range all the way from slight unease to blind panic. Some dogs will creep away and find a spot to hide such as under a bed or in a cabinet, while others will bolt and try wildly to run away from the noise. Lots of dogs will bark and whine during the display, while others will shake with fear.
Use caution if you are out with your dog in a firework display as some scared dogs will try running away. You will need to make sure you have a firm hold of their lead and they aren't in a position to slip their collar. The same approach is necessary if you've got a dog that panics indoors also , ensure you contain them or have them on a lead so they cannot damage themselves or anyone else while they are wild.
How To Help a Dog Afraid of Fireworks
First 1 or 2 don'ts:
*Don't expose your dog unnecessarily to fireworks as it won't assist them in getting use to the noise and is more likely to increase their fear.
*Don't make a big fuss of your dog when they're fearful as this can encourage them to think that their behaviour is the right response.
*Don't get anxious yourself as this could get picked up on by your dog and will only increase their anxiousness.
What you can do to help:
If you've got the time, you can try to desensitize your dog to the sound of fireworks. You can purchase CD's with the noise of fireworks on you can play to your dog, starting with a low setting and steadily building the sound levels and length of exposure overtime. You will need to couple this with things your dog reacts positively to like treats or play.
Stay calm and do not respond to the fireworks yourself. Act as if they are nothing to be concerned about. If your dog wants to go and hide, let them and make sure you do not make any fuss.
Use background noise like music, the radio or Television to try to block out the fireworks and check your windows are closed and the dog can spend some time as far away from the noise as possible.
If you have got a dog with a very extreme fear of fireworks that really gets out of control, it may be worth talking to a vet about prescribing anti-anxiety medicine.
If you are going to the firework display yourself and leaving your dog home alone, ensure that you leave them in a safe and secure environment where they cannot hurt themselves. Do not give them access to the outside during the fireworks as they can react terribly unpredictably.
About the Author:
Author Venice Marriott is a writer and dog owner and runs a website, which provides help and information for dog owners dealing with dog anxiety. Get more information about dogs scared of fireworks, when you visit the site.
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