Be it on New Year’s Eve, World Cup win or any other celebrations, most of the dog owners have stated that they need to deal with barking, howling and anxious dogs during fireworks. Experts dealing with pets have stated that it could be the flashes of light, the noise or even the smell that makes our furry friends shake, tremble, bark, howl or shiver.
What makes fireworks more distressing for them is that, unlike thunderstorms, fireworks happen only a couple of times in a year and are very loud. The worst thing for them is that it can happen without any warning. Additionally, we’re not there at home to let our dogs know that everything is fine.
Being a responsible dog owner, it is important for you to make sure that your dog is safe during fireworks.
Keep Your Dog Away from Fireworks
Some people take their pets along with them in the firework shows. But it is suggested not to do this as this will possess some great threat. We are used to the sound of firecrackers as we are hearing them since our childhood. But for your dog, it represents a danger in their minds, and they will try to escape from there. It is good to keep them at home when there is a possibility of fireworks. Fear can induce some weird reactions, and we all know this very well.
Play White Noise
For those who don’t know what white noise is, it is the sound of the radio, TV, or fan that actually masks or covers the fireworks’ sounds. You can play some classical music known as Through a Dog’s Ear. This music are said to have calming effects for dogs. You can try this at your home as the white noise will somehow overlap the sound of the fireworks.
Make Your Dog Comfortable
If possible, you can stay back at home with your dog or leave them with someone trustworthy. There are many who usually stays with the dog in the closet to help soothe the animal. When he is afraid, it is imperative to make him comfortable. But the most important part is that how you do this.
It is crucial to be calm and use a soothing tone. Of course, petting them can be very comforting. Experts suggest petting first, slow and long strokes across their body works magically. In case the dog panic, raise your pitch and say – it’s OK, it’s OK, it’s OK. This will make your dog feel that there’s nothing to fear. After all, they can also understand human emotions.
Go for a Walk Before the Beginning of the Fireworks
Go for a long walk before the sunsets. This will increase the chances of avoiding the sounds. Keep in mind that you should ensure that the dog is secure on a leash before going for a walk when you go out. Check out the fittings of the dog’s collar or the harness before steeping outside. A leash, even if you have installed an electric dog fence know more, is indeed a great and added safety measure to help your dog to be around you and under control when they get startled.
Give Treats to Help them Form Positive Associations
When you see such unforeseen circumstances, give them their favourite food. Similar us humans, dogs also lose their appetite when they get anxious or stressed. But at the same time, most of them find it difficult to resist an enticing treat. Experts suggest giving your dog their desired food makes them feel less anxious and allows them to form a positive association with the sudden sounds.
Treats effectively works as a great source of distraction – it could be anything like a frozen Kong toy, juicy bone coupled with the dog’s favourite treat of choice. All these will make him busy and stop him from chewing other valuables in the home also.
Alternative Options
When it comes to alternative options to calm down your dog, CBL oil has become a popular option to consider to counter anxiety in dogs. It is also revealed in a study report that CBD oil helped ease pain and has boosted comfort in dogs and other perks. Of course, the long term effects of CBD treatment on dogs are yet to be discovered, but you can definitely give it a try.
You can also consider medication and meditation for your pet. For the former one, you must consult and deal with a professional vet to make the right choice of medicine. Please let us know how you take care of your dog during fireworks.
Photo by Tharun Kumar on Unsplash.