Fireworks and your dog.
For many dogs, fireworks are scary - they make lots of big bangs that your dogs aren’t used to. This can make them really anxious and nervous!
For many years, I’ve heard people saying to just ignore your dog, to tell them they are being silly and even punish them if they are destroying the place due to anxiety... these things can just make your dog worse! It can make them more shut down, more anxious, more destructive...
So what’s the best things to do?
Walk your dog earlier in the day, when fireworks are unlikely to be going off... if you have to walk them, (although I don’t suggest it) keep them on a lead! So many dogs go missing because they have been spooked by fireworks & ran off! It’s best to keep them inside if you can - scared dogs often act out of character & could try and find escape routes in the garden if spooked!
Put the tv or radio on pretty load to try and drown out the noises of the fireworks.
Create a den or safe space for your dog to go to if they are scared... if they are crate trained, pop a blanket over the top and put plenty of blankets inside for them to hide or swaddle in. If you don’t have a crate, you can use a table for the same effect.
Draw your curtains and switch on a light to help reduce the light from the fireworks too as the light can also stress dogs out.
If your dog is coming to you for reassurance, remain calm, speak to them as you normally would and give them a cuddle or stroke if they want it - never punish your dog for seeking help, everyone with a nervous/anxious dog wishes that there dogs would do this, before attacking another dog/person. They simply see you as someone who will keep them safe! Equally, try not to be over the top, some dogs will think that there is something to be worried about - but only because you are worrying about how your dog is behaving! Dogs pick up on how we are feeling much more than we realise!
Long lasting chews/bones are great as well! Licking and chewing is a great stress relief for dogs, and it will give them something else to be occupied with.
Thundershirts and calming tablets can be used for particularly stressed out pups! Most Calming tablets need to be used for a few days or hours before the fireworks start to have effect, so bare this in mind!
If you can, don’t leave them at home alone - if your dog is stressed and you aren’t their to help, it could lead to separation anxiety and possibly destructive behaviour as well.
Equally, if your dog has shown no signs of stress before with fireworks, make sure to keep the tv/radio on, curtains drawn, light on and don’t shut them away, and make sure they can access their safe space still, before you go out - to minimise the stress.
If your dog is really struggling, consult your vet and behaviourist for help. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and no dog is the same!