Prepare Your Dog for Firework Night

Have you ever lived with a dog that has a noise phobia? I have and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. Its incredibly distressful for both you and your dog because once that phobia and sensitivity is there it is incredibly difficult to reverse without the guidance of a qualified behaviourist.

Firework night can be a stressful time for our dogs. The loud noises and bright flashes can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety and fear. Their acute hearing makes him more sensitive to the sound of the fireworks than you are and during the fireworks your dog will experience the same startle response you do when you are surprised by a loud noise. Which can lead to an increase in heart rate, adrenaline and stress hormones circulating through the body.

As responsible dog owners, it's important to take proactive steps to help our dogs cope with the festivities. If we can prevent the phobia happening in the first place even better.

Here are five top tips to prepare your dog for firework night:

1. Create a Safe Space

Establish a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your dog can retreat during the fireworks. This space should be away from windows and doors, minimising exposure to the sounds and sights of the celebration. Include their bed, favourite toys, and perhaps an item of your clothing to provide comfort. Consider using a crate if your dog feels secure in one, but ensure it’s a positive space.

Its incredibly important that you introduce your dog to this space BEFORE the festivities begin. Play some crate games with them (if using a crate) to create a positive association with the area

2. Desensitise Your Dog

Start preparing well in advance of firework night. Play recordings of fireworks at a low volume while providing your dog with treats, toys, or engaging in play. Gradually increase the volume over several sessions. Increasing to quickly and you will notice that your dog will not be able to continue to engage with the activity. If this happens turn the volume back to a level where they can continue with the activity. This process, known as desensitisation, can help your dog become less reactive to the sounds. Always monitor your dog’s reactions and keep sessions short and positive. The overall aim is to create a neutral response to the noise-“oh yea, it’s a firework” instead of “OH MY GOD IT’S A FIREWORK, RUUUUUUUN”

3. Plan your routine in advance

This might sound obvious but things like, finding out when and what time your local displays will be happening in advance will help you prepare. In the weeks before firework night look at changing your routine slightly to accommodate the fact that you don’t want to be walking your dog at night when the fireworks are going off. Make sure your dog has had chance to go to the toilet and stretch their legs before the loud bangs start so you can be safely tucked up at home-dogs are incredible predictors so if you change things on the night they are likely to pick up on the fact there has been a change and this may worry them.

4. Stay Calm and Provide Comfort

Firework night can cause a huge amount of anxiety for the human end of the lead to. Especially if your dog is particularly terrified. Where possible try to stay calm and relaxed yourself. Offer your dog comfort and reassurance you cannot reinforce fear so the more cuddles the better-if your dog enjoys cuddles, obviously!

5. Consult a Professional if Needed

If your dog has a history of severe anxiety during fireworks, consult your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer for advice. They may recommend behavior modification techniques or, in some cases, medication to help manage your dog’s anxiety during this stressful time.

Conclusion

Lastly, remember that if your dog is afraid of fireworks it is likely going to take a couple of days afterwards for your dog to re-settle. Be aware of this out on walks and look to introduce some calming activities such as scentwork and freework when you get home which will help relax your dog.

With a little preparation and understanding, you can help your dog navigate firework night more comfortably. Remember, each dog is unique, so pay attention to their needs and reactions. By creating a safe space, desensitising them to loud noises, planning your routine change ahead, and maintaining a calm environment, you can ensure that both you and your dog have a less stressful experience. Happy (and safe) firework night!

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