Fireworks may be a spectacle for humans, but they can be downright terrifying for our four-legged friends.
Why are dogs afraid of fireworks, you ask?
The sudden and loud noises from fireworks can cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and stress in dogs. These feelings often lead to behaviors such as barking, running away, or hiding.
As pet parents invested in our dog's well-being, what can we do to alleviate their stress?
A Calm Owner has a Calm Dog 🐶
First and foremost, it's essential to maintain a calm demeanor. Your dog picks up on your emotions, so remaining calm helps your pet feel more secure and less frightened. If you comfort your dog when it's scared, you may unintentionally encourage fearful behavior. It's crucial to treat these noises as ordinary events, so your dog learns there's nothing to be frightened of.
Practical Steps to Help Your Dog 🛠️
1. Create a Sound Barrier or a Sound Mask
- If fireworks are being set off near your home, keep your dog indoors where they feel safest.
- Close curtains and windows to reduce both the noise and visual stimuli that come with fireworks.
- Play calming music, keep the TV on, or use pet-friendly audio to mask the noise of the fireworks. For those planning to go out and leave the dog home, make sure these sounds are playing throughout the event.
2. Distract Your Dog's Attention
- Engage in playtime or offer interactive dog toys and puzzles. Food puzzles for dogs are an excellent distraction and can keep them busy for hours.
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Cognitive games not only serve as a distraction but also provide a positive, stimulating environment that can help create a calmer atmosphere.
3. Never Leave Your Dog Alone
- Even if your dog has been okay with fireworks in the past, a dog's hearing can change with age, as can their level of fearfulness.
- Stay close to your dog during the fireworks to observe their anxiety levels and react accordingly.
4. Desensitisation Training
- Train your dog to associate the sound of fireworks with something positive, reducing barking or overreactive behavior in the long term.
- Gradually introduce training sounds at increasing volumes while rewarding your dog for calm behavior.
5. Create a Safe Space
- Sometimes, all a dog needs is a comfortable spot to hide.
- Allow your dog the freedom to go where they feel safest, and avoid confining them to one space as this can increase anxiety.
- Place an item of your clothing in their safe space; familiar scents can be incredibly comforting.
6. Ensure Identification is Up-to-date
- Make sure your dog is microchipped and wears a name tag. If your dog does escape, this will increase the chances of a joyful reunion.
7. Special Consideration for Pandemic Puppies
- The pandemic has led to an increase in pet adoption. Many new pet parents haven't yet experienced a fireworks event with their dog. Prepare adequately, offer a safe space, and utilize toys or training to help your dog adapt.
Products to Keep Your Dog Calm 🛒
For the upcoming fireworks night, consider investing in specialised products designed to ease your dog's anxiety.
👣 2&4 Pets 🐾 offers a range of toys designed to keep your pet distracted and reduce their stress. It will be a great investment you can make this fireworks season.
By following these steps and investing in high-quality pet products, you can ensure that both you and your furry friend will enjoy the fireworks night without unnecessary stress or fear. 🎆🐾
LOVE 💖,
2&4 PETS 🐾
