Pets and Fireworks
New year’s eve is fast approaching and that means the biggest fireworks displays we see all year. While they are usually fun for us, a lot of pets suffer major anxiety surrounding the noise phobias that go with fireworks.
Fear of loud noises in dogs can also happen with loud thunderstorms but fireworks are particularly loud. Each year, hundreds of cats and dogs go missing due to the noise of fireworks displays causing noise phobias.
Pets can go to great lengths to escape – bolting through doorways or windows, climbing or jumping fences, digging out, even breaking down barriers doing major damage to fences, walls and themselves.
If you prepare early, there are some things that you can do to make the event easier on your pets and prevent the heartache of your pet going missing. If you know your pet has a noise phobia, speak to your vet about the latest treatment options and natural remedies. Some drug free remedies include Thundershirts and Rescue Remedy or Bach Flower Essences.
It can help to give your dog some good exercise in the afternoon before the noisy fireworks. Feed them a meal about an hour after exercise. A full and tired dog should show less anxiety and find it easier to relax.
If your pet does not have a major phobia, or you aren’t sure what their reaction will be, the best approach is to act upbeat and happy like nothing is wrong. Play your dog’s favourite game with them or do some training that they enjoy. Offer food for calm and relaxed behaviour if your dog is food motivated. If your dog is too fearful to enjoy games or training, give them a small, dark cosy space to retreat to. A crate is ideal if your dog is crate trained.
When there is going to be fireworks on, it’s best to lock your pet indoors and preferably stay with them if you can. Have the TV or some music on to help block out the noise. If you need to leave your pets alone indoors, leaving the TV or radio on can help them feel like someone is home. Never leave your dog tied up unattended as they can choke themselves to death when frantic.
Ensure your pets are micro-chipped, registered with your local council and wearing a collar with ID tags. These steps ensure the best chance of getting your pet back should they escape. Remember to check your local pound and neighbouring pounds several times in the unfortunate event that you do lose your pet.
Please don’t forget to share this post. Sharing buttons are on the right part of the screen. Thank you!
Here’s the top resources you need to create the most successful and rewarding relationship with your dog through training:
🐕 Get the free ebook that answers the question, ‘Why Does My Dog Do That?” and how you can change it - Get the Why Does My Dog Ebook HERE
🐕 Join the Virtual Dog School self-paced online training program and turn your dog into your dream best friend - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Take the free reactivity training video series - SIGN UP HERE
🐕 Join the reactivity program, Frantic To Focused, which has helped dog owners all over the world to enjoy walks with their dogs again - JOIN HERE
Featured Course:
Frantic to Focused
This comprehensive course takes you step by step on how to get your dog from a frantic dog to a focused dog on walks. EVEN around other dogs.
Popular Ebook:
Training Matters
Looking for information online can be so confusing as there is so much conflicting advice. In Training Matters, we explain not just the how of dog training, but the why, so that you know what to do and why to do it this way.
Join the Dog Matters Academy!
REACTIVITY SERIES
Dog Matters. All Rights Reserved © 2024
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this website are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I may earn a small commission. We only recommend products and services we endorse and using our links does not affect the purchase price for you, in fact it may save you money. Thank you for your support.
Follow Dog Matters:
