31/10/2021
Let's talk fireworks and dogs
Fireworks can be scary and dogs can have many different reactions to them, some are not too bothered, some might bark at the sound of them, some might find a safe and quiet place to hide and others might completely shut down, unable to eat or play.
Without having real fireworks to practice with, not much can prepare your pup for the real thing but playing firework noises from a phone etc on increasing volumes whilst your dog is distracted eating, sleeping or playing for example can be a good place to start.
If you know or suspect that your dog might have a negative reaction to fireworks, have a plan set up:
🐶 Try and take your dog for a walk during the day to avoid being outside when fireworks are going off - if you can only go out when people might be letting them off, I wouldn't recommend letting your dog off the lead incase they get spooked and bolt off.
🐶 Play with your dog so they're ready for a nap or cuddle on the sofa.
🐶 Have lots of yummy treats prepared to give as a distraction.
🐶 Get a good movie/tv show/music playing in the background so the fireworks don't seem so loud.
If your dog hears fireworks and is getting anxious:
🐶 Grab a toy and invite your dog to play.
🐶 Grab some tasty treats and do a training session with your dog, you can practice commands they already know or you can try and teach a new trick - regardless of if your dog can perform their tricks like normal, you're engaging them in something fun so the loud noises aren't the main focus.
🐶 Get a bone, filled kong, puzzle toy etc and let your dog enjoy.
🐶 Put your dog in their crate - sometimes if dogs are stressed and pacing, putting them in their crate (if they're crate trained) or safe place can calm them down and allow them to relax more.
Try and start these activities before fireworks start going off, if your dog is already engaged in an activity, they're more likely to continue it and take less notice of the scary noises.
If your dog can't do anything, a conversation with your vet might be a good option and you can talk about if anxiety medication would help.
And Happy Halloween 🎃
Enjoy the unrelated picture 😍🥰
