Fireworks

by **Steve** Sat Oct 13 2012, 19:59

Frequently Asked Questions

Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks are enjoyed year-round by people but can be a source of fear for many animals.

It doesn’t have to be that way though, so don’t ignore the problem. Seek advice from your vet who will if necessary, be able to refer you to a professional clinical animal behaviourist. You can also follow our top tips to make firework celebrations less frightening for your pet.

Keeping your dogs secure

Make sure your dog always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.
During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.
If your pet shows any signs of fear try to ignore their behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves.
Never punish or fuss over your pet when it's scared as this will only make things worse in the long run.
Make sure your dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape.

Desensitize Your Dog to the Sound of Fireworks

If you have some time before any fireworks display in your neighborhood, you can begin getting your dog used to the sounds. This is referred to as desensitization, and it can be done in a few simple steps:

Find a video or recording of fireworks.
Play the video or recording at the lowest possible volume a few times during the day.
Pair the sound of the fireworks with things your dog likes, such as treats, meals, cuddle time, or a game of tug-of-war.
Slowly begin to raise the volume of the recording or video over the course of several days, and continue to pair the sound of fireworks with good things for your dog.
If at any point your dog begins to show signs of fear, turn the volume down to a point where he feels more comfortable.
Repeat this several times each day until your dog can hear the sounds of the fireworks at a fairly high volume without becoming fearful.

Help Ease Your Dog's Fears

If you don't have time to prepare for the fireworks, or if desensitization hasn't ended your dog's fear of fireworks completely, there are things you can do to help ease his fears. These things may help with dogs who have a mild to moderate fear of fireworks.

Don't change your behavior. Many people feel compelled to baby their dogs when the dog is showing signs of fear. We pet them more than usual, cuddle them, and talk to them in soft voices. Rather than easing a dog's fears, however, this often reinforces the dog's fearful behaviors.
Try not to react to the fireworks yourself. If you jump or tense up when you hear fireworks because you are anticipating your dog's fear, you may make his fear worse. Your body language can tell a dog that there is a reason to be afraid.
Drown out the sound of the fireworks. Try to turn up the radio or television and keep your windows closed during the fireworks. If the weather permits, a fan or air conditioner (if your dog isn't afraid of those sounds) can help, too.
Don't push your dog past his comfort zone. Allow him to hide if he feels more comfortable in his crate or under a bed. Don't pull him out or try to force him closer to the fireworks in an attempt to get him used to the sounds. This may result in an increase in fear, and a frightened dog may become aggressive if pushed past his comfort level

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Dealing with a Dog's Severe Fear of Fireworks

In the case of a severe phobia, nothing may work to ease your dog's fear. If there's a chance your dog make exhibit this level of fear, talk to your veterinarian about medication. He may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication or sedative to keep your dog calm during the fireworks.

Medication may be the only answer to get through the fireworks this season. As soon as the fireworks stop, however, you can begin preparing for the next one with a program of desensitization. A trainer or behaviorist may also be helpful. In severe cases, you may not ever be completely successful in eradicating the phobia, but you may be able to ease some of your dog's fear.

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Thank you.
Forum Administrator
Steve

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