Dogs and fireworks don’t blend. A lot of dogs are scared of fireworks. Noise phobia is typical anxiety among canines. These fears can manifest as thunderstorms and fireworks. Dogs often find noisy, unpredictable sounds and flashes of light extremely frightening. Even the most confident dog might be scared by the unfamiliar noises of fireworks. There’s good news there are some steps that you could do in order to aid your dog through the fireworks.
Make Your Dog Sensitized To Fireworks. Sound of Fireworks
If you’re able to find some time prior to the Fourth of July or a planned fireworks show in your area it is possible to begin instructing your dog to remain relaxed in response to noises. This is known as desensitization. Simple steps can assist.
- Find a video or a recording of fireworks.
- Record the video or play it at the lowest volume several times throughout the day.
- Make sure to pair the sound of the fireworks with something your dog loves including treats or meals, cuddle time, or even a game of tug of war.
- Slowly increase the volume of your footage or film over many days. Then, continue to mix the sounds of fireworks with positive things to do with your dog.
- If your dog starts to exhibit signs of anxiety If your dog is showing signs of fear, reduce the volume until your dog is more at ease.
- Repetition this process several times throughout the day, until your dog is able to hear the sounds of fireworks at a moderate volume, but not become scared.
Make sure you know that a recorded recording of fireworks is not identical to the real thing. However, playing the recorded in this manner can decrease the anxiety and fear brought on by fireworks displays.
Help ease your dog’s fears
If you’re not able to plan for fireworks or if desensitization hasn’t removed your dog’s fear of fireworks entirely there are other methods to assist. These options can be helpful for dogs that have a moderate to a mild fear of fireworks.
- Don’t alter your behavior. A lot of people are compelled to calm their dogs when their pet exhibits signs of anxiety. We give them more attention than usual, snuggle them, and even talk to them with a soft voice. Instead of easing the dog’s anxiety, it can actually reinforce the dog’s fears. If you give a dog who is afraid additional attention before they’ve demonstrated improvement in its training, you’re effectively rewarding and validating the behavior you’re trying to alter.
- Be careful not to react to the fireworks by yourself. If you scream or get tense up whenever you hear fireworks, it could increase the fear of your dog. Your body language could tell your dog that there’s an actual reason why they should be worried.
- Doze off the sounds of the fireworks. Try to crank up the radio or the television and keep your windows shut throughout the firework display. White noise makers or fan (if your dog doesn’t seem to be afraid of these noises) could be helpful, too. Ear muffs that block noise for canines are also readily available.
- Don’t push your dog past his comfort zone. You can let him go to sleep in a place where he feels comfortable in his crate or on the bed. Don’t force him out, or force him to be closer to the fireworks as a way to help him get used to the sound. This could result in an increase in anxiety, and dogs that are scared may turn aggressive if forced beyond the level at which he is comfortable.
Handling a dog’s extreme Fear of Fireworks
If you have the most severe fear There may not be anything you can do to alleviate your dog’s anxiety. If your dog displays this level of fear consult your vet about possible options, such as medications. Your veterinarian might be competent to prescribe an anti-anxiety drug or sedative that will keep your dog in a calm state during fireworks.
The only option to help your dog through the season of fireworks. But, you can start planning for the future by implementing the program of desensitization. A behavioralist or trainer is also beneficial. In extreme cases, it is unlikely that you will succeed in completely eliminating the fear but you might be able to reduce some of the dog’s fears.
Do not leave your dog alone
If your dog seems scared of fireworks, it’s recommended to keep him home when you plan to watch fireworks. If your dog is afraid, it may try to escape and seek refuge if compelled to go to a display of fireworks. Animal shelters have reported an increase in lost pets on July Fourth.
When you’re away the dog must be secured in a secure and secure space (like his crate or cozy space). If you are able, turn on some type of sound to block out the sounds of fireworks in the area.