As most of us know, it's almost "that time of year" again. What time of year? Firework season!
While many enjoy the beauty of a well organised firework display, for a lot of pets, it is a terribly traumatic and anxious time.
Fear is a perfectly normal reaction to all living things, but for some pets, that fear is so great that it causes extreme reactions which can put their safety and, indeed, their lives at risk.
It is not uncommon for dogs to develop uncontrollable fear to loud noises like fireworks, thunder and gunshot. Their normal reactions to these sounds is "fight or flight". They may try to "attack" the noise by barking and growling at it or they will try and run and hide from it. This is why you will sometimes find your dog trying to get under a bed, hiding behind furniture or frantically digging at bedding or furniture.
There are several ways in which you can try to minimise the panic that your dog is experiencing.
There are special therapy CDs that you can buy which have recordings of sounds such as fireworks, thunder, etc. However, it is extremely important that you go about using these CDs in the proper way. It also takes a lot of time to follow this method and desensitisation should begin many months before the start of "firework season". Further information on the correct way to desensitise your dog to loud noises can be found at The K9 Centre
When your dog is worried and unsure about something, he will constantly look to you to see how you are reacting. Making eye contact with him risks confirming to him that he has good reason to be frightened and anxious. By avoiding eye contact, you have more of a chance of reassuring him that there's nothing to worry about. Avoiding eye contact does not mean just ignoring your dog - you can still talk to him, play with him, stroke him.
Since it's a natural instinct for a dog to try and hide when he's frightened, ensure that he has a safe, cosy den to go to so that he doesn't end up trying to get into inappropriate or even dangerous places to try and hide. Put his bedding somewhere safe, warm and dark - most dogs will go under a table or behind a chair or the sofa. If he uses a crate, ensure that the door is open and secured open so that it doesn't crash back on him if he enters in a hurry - this will just frighten him more. You can also place a thick blanket over the crate to add to the den-like nature. If your dog takes up this safe haven you've created, leave him be when he's there. Pestering him may well add to his fear and anxiety.
You should also close all doors and windows and draw the curtains as well to try and muffle the outside noises and shut out the flashes of light from the fireworks.
There are several holistic remedies that have been found to be useful to some dogs. Skullcap and Valerian and Bach's Rescue Remedy can give feelings of calmness. Vitamin B Complex can be used in addition to this (this is the "stress" vitamin). You can have essences blended specifically for your dog and his levels of fear - such as Amethyst Essence (Noah's Ark Essences). Some people also find that DAP (dog appeasement pheromone) diffusers can also be beneficial.
Where possible, avoid foods and treats that have flavourings, colourings and preservatives in them as these can all add to a dog's anxiety. If possible, feed three times a day to maintain blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates, such as pasta or rice, can help make a dog feel more content and sleepier.
During firework season, your dog's adrenalin levels will be through the roof so avoid exercise that will have them rushing around (eg chasing balls, frisbees, etc). Exercise in a calm manner. Try not to take your dog out after dark, but if this is unavoidable, make sure that he has his collar and ID tags on and that there is no risk of him slipping his collar. It's worth considering using a harness as this is more secure. Use a double ended lead that you can attach to both collar and harness/halti as a "belt and braces" approach. Don't allow him off lead - not even in the garden unless you are 100% sure that he can't escape. A frightened dog isn't thinking about what he's doing and will run for some distance to try and escape the source of his fear.
TTouch is an easily learned technique that can have a dramatic effect on your animal's wellbeing. Tension within your dog's body can cause them to react to situations. By removing this tension using the light circular TTouch movements, it can allow them to think and cope better in potentially frightening situations. Find a TTouch Practitioner in your area.
Wearing a snug T-shirt appears to have a cumulative effect. The more your dog wears it, the more relaxed they can become. Think of it as a hug without the restriction of actually giving a hug - a lot of dogs don't like physically being hugged because they feel trapped. If using a T-shirt for firework fear, it is helpful if you start putting it on in the evenings a couple of months before "firework season". Don't worry if you've missed this time, start using it as soon as you get it. Build up it's usage until your dog adapts to wearing it. It has been reported that some dogs actually go to their owners to have their T-shirts put on when they start to feel anxious.
Put the TV or some music on - just loud enough to try and distract your dog away from the noises of fireworks. Play a game with him - nothing too over the top, but try to keep him busy. Give him a new toy that he can be interested in.
It's a natural instinct for us humans to try and comfort, soothe and reassure something that is scared and frightened. However, to your dog, you are effectively rewarding him for his fear. Don't ignore him but don't sympathise with him. Try to keep your manner and tone light hearted and very matter of fact. You want to show him that there is nothing to worry about and he is perfectly safe.
In the same vein, do not shout or scold your dog when he is frightened. Keep a calm, positive attitude around him.
Zylkene is is a non-prescription food supplement which is available for dogs and cats. It can have a dramatic calming effect on some individuals, and can be given for the whole of the firework period.
If all else fails, sometimes mild tranquilising drugs are appropriate, and your vet can probably prescribe useful medication if it is needed.
Hopefully some of these suggestions will help you and your dog cope with the firework season.