Fireworks are not your dog’s best friend!

A fear of fireworks is a fairly common phobia for dogs. They often find the loud, unpredictable noise and bright displays of light truly frightening. Even a seemingly confident dog can tremble and be fearful of unfamiliar sounds. The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help your dog get through the stress.

Desensitise Your Dog to the Sound of Fireworks

I suggest making some time before the 5th of November or an anticipated fireworks display in your neighbourhood, you can begin getting your dog used to the sounds. This is referred to as desensitisation, and it can be done in a few simple steps:

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Find a video or recording of fireworks.

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Play the video or recording at the lowest possible volume a       few times during the day.

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Pair the sound of the fireworks with things your dog likes, such as treats, meals, or a game of tug-of-war.

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Slowly begin to raise the volume of the recording or video over the course of several days, and continue to pair the sound of fireworks with good things for your dog.

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If at any point your dog begins to show signs of fear, turn the volume down to a point where he feels more comfortable.

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Repeat this several times each day until your dog can hear the sounds of the fireworks at a fairly high volume without becoming fearful.

Give your dog a safe place.

A den site is something that your dog would have been born into naturally if he lived in the wild.

Dog crates are the ideal things for your dogs den site.

Get him used to a crate now.

Cover it over with a dark sheet will help him to feel secure and safe.

Always leave the door open for your dog to make his own decisions.

Close the curtains so your dog can’t see any bright flashes

Switch your dog to an additive free diet today, and he will be Calmer.

Why is this important?

Well if your dog is fearful or gets anxious, having e numbers floating around his system won’t help. E numbers, preservatives and colorants do the same thing to dogs that they do to children.

Include products such as Skull cap/ Valerian in your dogs diet to help relieve anxiety and fear.

If your dog is physically fit and old enough take him on a long walk before it gets dark.

Safety in numbers

Having the family remain at home will be a great way for your dog to feel safe and secure.

 Dogs are pack animals and do better when their family is around them.

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Don't change your behaviour. Many people feel compelled to baby their dogs when the dog is showing signs of fear. We pet them more than usual, cuddle them, and talk to them in soft voices. Rather than easing a dog's fears, however, this often reinforces the dog's fearful behaviours.

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Try not to react to the fireworks yourself. If you jump or tense up when you hear fireworks because you are anticipating your dog's fear, you may make his fear worse. Your body language can tell a dog that there is a reason to be afraid.

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Drown out the sound of the fireworks. Try to turn up the radio or television and keep your windows closed during the fireworks.

Dealing with a Dog's Severe Fear of Fireworks

In the case of a severe phobia, nothing may work to ease your dog's fear. If there's a chance your dog may exhibit this level of fear, talk to your veterinarian about medication. He may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication or sedative to keep your dog calm during the fireworks.

Medication may be the only answer to get through the fireworks this season. As soon as the fireworks stop, however, you can begin preparing for the next one with a program of desensitisation.

As per normal on the 5^th November I will be on our Facebook page to help anyone that is struggling

http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-9-Listener

For further help please feel free to contact me on 07593800966

Or via our website www.k9listener.com

Best wishes

James

www.k9listener.com