Avoid Your Dog Being Scared or Lost This Fireworks Season!

Fireworks are fun for us but many pets freak out at the noise and bright explosions. In fact many dogs get very scared and jump out of their yards trying to get away from the noise. These dogs are often found but many are also forever lost or even injured or killed after running into the traffic.

So if you know your dog is scared of fireworks, or you are unsure how your dog will react, here is a quick rundown of what you can do to decrease the chance of your dog being distressed this fireworks season.

1. Take your dog for a long (About twice as long as normal) walk before the fireworks are due to start. This will make your dog more tired and more likely to rest when the fireworks start.
2. Bring your dog inside well before the fireworks are due to start. It’s much easier and better, for your dog, if we avoid them getting into the state of fear rather than trying to calm them down once they become scared.
3. If you have a travel crate like a Vari Kennel this is a good time to use it. These small travel kennels make a dog feel comfortable because it’s like their own little cave that they can feel safe in. If you don’t have a dog crate that is ok. Just pick a place for your dog where you know it will feel comfortable.
4. Close the blinds so no flashes from the fireworks can penetrate into the house. Also leave the lights on so that the flashes that do get in appear less dramatic and scary.
5. Turn the TV up relatively load to drown out and blend with the noise of the fireworks. You can increase the volume every 15 min or so and they won’t notice it is set so loud.
6. Give them a bone or toy to play with to take their mind off their surroundings.
7. If your dog does get stressed don’t make a fuss over them, in fact the correct thing to do is ignore them. If you are calm and relaxed about the situation you dog will realise soon that they have nothing to fear. If you do what most people do and console your dog energetically then your dog will feel justified in their fear and will stay scared for longer.

Follow these tips and your dog will have a much less stressful experience during fireworks displays.

If you are unsure about how your dog will react to fireworks I would say do the first two steps as a minimum and see how your dog reacts. If you plan on leaving your dog in the backyard make sure she has a collar with a name tag and contact phone number on it.

Take care and Happy Holidays.