Well the fireworks season is upon us again so soon and it can be scary for some dogs! So here is a little bit of advice for all dog owners.
I have never had this with any of mine as I train them from puppies to ignore any loud noises and flashes. However, one of my Rottweilers often didn’t like the whizzing noises some of them make. But I have over many years, helped tons of owners during behaviour consultations, try and get this under control with a little bit of guidance.
Generally speaking, young dogs and puppies are not as scared of fireworks as older ones. Many tiny puppies will simply take them as another new thing, a bit like the washing machine, lawn mower or the hair dryer. The older they get, the more likely they are to become scared of, or more scared of, fireworks if not addressed.
So, what to do? My approach with genuinely fearful dogs is to walk, train or play with them as much as possible in the day when there are no fireworks, so they are tired. If your dog is showing mild anxiety or looks around when they hear them then try to associate the sound with something they love, throw some food about; play hide and seek with them; start playing tug games or other fun things that you know they enjoy. If you can catch them at the “Errrr, I’m not sure about that noise” stage, and make ‘that noise’ mean games, fun or food, then that will help them to – if not enjoy the noises – enjoy what happens when the noises happen. i.e. loud bangs = fun and food!
I have often recommended natural, soothing products and practices – rub small drops of Bergamot or Lavender into their coat a few days before. Also Rescue Remedy or Aconite and Rock Rose (homeopathic remedies) can be added to their water for a few days before Bonfire Night until a few days after. I would always suggest natural products but in really extreme cases, it is worth speaking to your vet as they may be able to help with a mild sedative if the natural products have not worked previously.
Recently, Thunder Shirts (or jackets) have been suggested to work. If they are too expensive, try a T-shirt tied firmly around the body but not too tight – it is suggested the pressure helps them relax. Or crepe bandages do the same thing. There are also desensitisation CDs that can be played a few weeks before. Adaptil plug-ins or even tablets are available now so check them out on the marketplaces online.
If they are the sort of dog who goes into blind panic, running about the place, panting, digging, crying, barking, salivating – then in those cases, just do whatever you can to keep them safe and from harming themselves. Prepare a large crate, in a cool place (dogs tend to get hot when fearful), with a comfy blanket they can lie on and a cuddly toy. Cover the cage with a thick blanket to darken the interior and shut the door. Make sure air can circulate. Or, make a dark den between two armchairs and cover with a towel or blanket; somewhere they can go and hide but feel safe and also close to you.
Whatever happens and whatever you decide to do, just remember stay calm -be kind to your dog and be patient, understand that to them their fear is real and life threatening and treat them with as much love and kindness as you can. Close the curtains, turn up the TV or music and without petting them too much, speak to them in low smooth tones. At least that way they realise that you are a source of comfort, should they ever be fearful again.
Sadly, with Covid-19 with us this year, I fear there may be more garden fireworks this year as the larger organised events will not be able to go ahead.
Good luck!
Article originally written in 2004 updated 15.10.20
