Dogs and Fireworks
It’s that time of year again when our freedom will be celebrated with fireworks! Stands will abound all over the valley. If you have a dog that is terrified of fireworks, this time might be more stressful for you than any other time of the year. This year, with the incredible growth of extremely flammable weeds, the fireworks can cause additional stress for you because you are not only concerned for your dog, but you also feel fearful for your own safety. When we are stressed, our dogs will sense that fear and stress right along with their own. Now the problem has even intensified from the usual 4th of July celebrations.
Dogs at risk are particularly dogs that have not had a lot of socialization as youngsters, but may also be genetically fearful. Older dogs can have fearful behaviors that they never exhibited as younger dogs. When their hearing begins to fail, the sound has now become unfamiliar. And if you have a puppy, it is especially something for you to pay attention to so that your pup grows up not fearing this type of celebration. Unless your dog has experienced fireworks in the past, and you are sure they are not bothered by them, helping your dog now, a few weeks before the holiday is imperative.
There are basically three things you can do. The first, and this is especially helpful with puppies, is desensitization. That means, exposing your puppy GRADUALLY to loud noises like recorded CDs, pots and pans, etc, while you associate the event with something wonderful, like a bone or Kong toy stuffed with something wonderful to eat, maybe even cooked steak! Each night, give your dog a Kong stuffed with her dinner while you expose her to different noises, starting with a lower level volume. Each night increase the volume just slightly while she eats her wonderful dinner. Be creative about what you stuff the Kong with and slow about increasing the volume.
The second thing you can do is to manage your dog by taking her away, perhaps camping or out of town. Think about somewhere she loves to go. Maybe go visit a friend that lives in the country. Sometimes, even taking her for a ride in the car during the most active fireworks periods is successful, especially if she likes to go for rides. You might even consider asking your neighbors what their firework schedule is so that you know when to leave or go for that ride in the car. You might find a quiet room in your house in the basement. Add some music or television to help mask the sound. “Thundershirts” can be very effective in conjunction.
And lastly, you can seek the help of your veterinarian for medication. Many times, there simply is no other solution because your dog is so terrified. Your veterinarian can recommend the medication most suited for your dog.
The key, however, is to plan ahead. Talk to your veterinarian now. Start your desensitizing program now. Or plan your get away with your dog(s) now. Make sure you have all your bases covered before you see the firework stands popping up along Main Street. Even though the law is very specific about when fireworks can be discharged, it doesn’t always mean neighbors comply. Make this year the easiest year for your dog yet! If you need more ideas, seek professional help from a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant or your veterinarian.
