I don't have a pet myself, well, I lost the one I had years ago. But I still have some professional businesses with pets. Pets as we all know require care and attention and it becomes very important at a time like this when what has become a worldly ritual and routine has the tendency of negatively affecting our beloved pets. Talking about fireworks! I know for a lot of people, around the world, there are plans to usher in the 'new year' with fireworks. But this can cause negative effects on our pets, it can be traumatic for dogs and cats who can be terrified at the unusual bangs hence, the need to protect them from fireworks. Let's see how:
WHY THE FEAR? It is natural for dogs to be afraid of loud noises. The sounds trigger their nervous systems, and they can become anxious or afraid. Running away from the noise is a survival instinct.
Remember also about dogs, the experience of fireworks is different than other natural loud noises, like thunder. Fireworks are closer to the ground, more vibrant, and are accompanied by sudden booms, flashes and burning smells. Dogs experience the world through their senses — nose, eyes, ears.
Here are some ways to keep our pets safe from fireworks:
>>walk them during the day to avoid night when firework shows are likely to take place
>>Close all windows and curtains to muffle the loud sound of the bangs
>>Put on some calming music or TV on to mask the firework sounds
>>Create a quiet space or “doggy haven” where your dog can feel in control
>>Create some hiding spots in the house and leave their favourite toys for them to find.
>> If you do find it necessary to use medication or a thundershirt to calm your dog during the fireworks, remember that you must introduce any such tool at the right time, conditioning your dog to understand that the medication or thundershirt is there to bring them to a calm state. This means that you must bring your dog to that calm state first, then introduce the tool — before the fireworks and the anxiety begin. If she is already at an anxiety level of 8 or 9, then her mental state will overrule the medication. If she is already breathing heavily, then the thundershirt, which is designed to slow her breathing, won’t work. A tool is an intellectual thing we use with a dog’s instincts. The challenge is knowing how and when to connect the two.
>> If you are going to be with your dog during the fireworks, sending the calming message that they are nothing to worry about will also help him to relax. Remember, though, while humans communicate with words, dogs communicate with energy, and will look to their pack leader for clues on how they should behave. If you’re not making a big deal or showing excitement about the fireworks, then he will learn to be less concerned as well.
In all cases above, expend your dog’s excess energy first, before the fireworks start, by taking her on a very long walk to tire her out and put her in a calm state.
Most importantly, don’t think of this in terms of your dog as your child who is missing out on a great, fun time. That’s human guilt. Your dog won’t know what she’s missing. You’re being a good pack leader by not exposing her to a situation that will trigger her flight instinct in a negative way. When the booms and bangs of Independence Day are over, your dog will be grateful to you for having made it a less stressful experience!
>> The best way to prepare your dog for fireworks is to make sure he’s comfortable with the sound in advance. While this is a simple process, it can take time — possibly three or four months of playing the recorded sound of fireworks for your dog at an increasingly louder volume before he eats, before a walk, and before affection and play. This will condition him by association to hear the sound and interpret it as something good. While you can try this method over only a week or two, in such a short time span it should only be used in conjunction with one or more of the other tips. In any case, play the firework sounds.
Some dogs have no problem with the sight and sound of fireworks if they’ve been desensitized — hunting dogs, for example, grow used to the sounds and smells of hunting rifles and gun powder. Most dogs, our pets in our homes however, are not used to these things, so NEW YEAR EVE can be a terrifying time!