My Dog is Scared of FIREWORKS
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ome pets are scared of loud noises like Fireworks.
Reports of lost dogs greatly increase during the July 4th
celebration. When dogs hear a loud crack, they jump the
fence and run. It is a survival instinct for animals to RUN
the opposite direction of a loud noise. (humans do this
too) In the case of fireworks, the sounds come in various
directions and that can be confusing and scary to your dog.
Keep your pets inside during these times to keep them
safe.
S
Tips on how to prepare for Independence Day:
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Prepare your dog: Desensitize your dog to loud
noises.
a. Buy a CD that has thunderstorms, fireworks
and other loud noises. Turn this on as soft
as possible during meal and treat times for
your dog. Gradually, very slowly increase
the volume. If you go too fast this can be a
big setback, so again, take it slow.
b. Show your dog that loud noises are fun by
giving them something so yummy they
won't pass it up. Loud noise equals a piece
of steak. I have cubed steak ready to throw
at my dog for every loud noise. Now she
runs looking for me with tail wagging
during thunderstorms, fireworks or any
other loud noise. The trick is giving the
treat at the same time the noise is heard,
not after the noise is heard. Start out
making noises using the kitchen cupboard.
Shut the cupboard door lightly while
throwing a super yummy treat at your dog.
Slowly increase the noise or the slam of the
cupboard. If it scares your dog too much
and he won't eat the treat the noise is too
loud; set your dog up for success, and work
it slowly, increasing the noise little by little.
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By Karen Anderson ABCDT
Prepare your house before the celebration.
Remove all sharp objects, in case your dog
gets scared and starts running around
uncontrollably. Keep all curtains drawn or
shades down so your dog can’t see the
flashes of light. Keep a few lamps on so your
dog won’t be in the dark.
Prepare your pets room before the celebration.
The best room for this is the inner most room
of the house. It will be quieter than the other
rooms. Also, keep curtains pulled and crates
covered so your dog doesn’t see flashes of
light. Keep fresh water and a chew bone
available (no rawhides!).
Turn on the TV so your dog hears human voices
and not fireworks. Don’t turn it too loud or
the TV can be stressful too (I recommend The
Disney Channel).
Show Calming Signals when your pets are
acting scared. Calming signals are eating or
snacking, blinking and yawning. Try not to
reassure your dog with “it will be okay"; this
actually reinforces their feelings of being
scared.
Thundershirts are shown to help all species
during stressful times. Used for many
anxieties i.e., scared of thunderstorms,
fireworks, loud noises or separation anxiety.
Thundershirts do not require any training of
your dog to be an effective solution. Many
dogs will exhibit reduced or eliminated
symptoms with the very first usage of the
Thundershirt (it eliminates shaking, it
reduces panting, etc).( Sold locally at Cedar
Valley Vet on 1st Street in Cedar Falls)
Essential Oils for dogs and cats. Try the holistic
way. Using Lavender can naturally sooth
your dog. (Sold at Compassionate Care
Veterinary Clinic in Waverly)