What to do if a dog is afraid of fireworks and firecrackers
Our best four-legged friends are very afraid of harsh sounds. Is it really necessary to tightly close all the doors and windows so that the roar of firecrackers does not leak out?
New Year’s Eve is a time of pleasant hassle, searching for gifts for loved ones, decorating the Christmas tree and anticipating the winter holidays. But for a dog, this is a period of increased stress due to noisy fireworks and other “dangers” that lie in wait for the pet in the house.
“My beloved puppy Molly died when she was only 18 weeks old. Fireworks killed her. – A heartbreaking post appeared on Facebook. “Molly simply could not bear these eerie sounds and died of horror.”
Susan Paterson, the owner of the unfortunate baby terrier, explains: they live in seclusion, no festivities take place near their country house. But then a real emergency happened: a loud celebration was organized in the vicinity with music, songs and incredible loudness of fireworks. The dog was not ready for such a test, she had a heart attack.
Susan even created a petition: she offered to prohibit blowing up firecrackers at inopportune times and in inappropriate places. Her post was supported by more than 60 thousand people, but the situation with fireworks still remained unchanged – hardly anyone will actually prohibit fireworks because of pets.
Experts say that loud noises, pops, rumbling are one of the main dog fears. If your pet is one of these, you need to make every effort to ensure that the New Year is painless for him.
Scientific Support Expert Royal Canin
Noisy fireworks and fireworks are the main dog horror. Fear of loud noises, especially fireworks, is a normal reaction to an unfamiliar, harsh stimulus. Therefore, do not scold the pet, on the contrary, try to help the animal cope with the excitement.
Oftentimes, fearful dogs refuse to go outside or try to get off the leash. The main thing that you should do when going for a walk is to check how well the harness or collar is fixed on the dog, and under no circumstances unfasten the leash in order to fully ensure the safety of the pet.
To keep the animal calm, it is important for the owner to demonstrate equanimity. Do not try to pet, hug or pick up your dog if he is anxious: this will only reinforce the dog’s negative reaction to loud sounds and worsen his emotional state. It is better to take your favorite toy and try to involve your pet in the game, thereby distracting from the annoying noise. You can also use a slice of an approved treat or some feed. Any animal associates food with calmness and positive emotions.
The dog needs to be distracted, not sorry.
The degree of excitement of the animal will also depend on the proximity to the fireworks, so try to move away from the danger zone so that the dog does not get worried. As soon as you notice that your pet has completely turned his attention to you, you can gradually close the distance to the source of the noise.
You can also train your dog at home. If your pet panics on the street at the sound of the fireworks, then plan the walk so that the animal is at home at the moments of volleys. There is no need to drag the dog towards its fears. And already in a safe environment, exercise with a toy or food. It is better to start training one to two months before the holidays in order to develop a stable habit of loud sounds in your pet.
If the dog is first introduced to the Christmas tree, the process must be approached with feeling and constellation. First, let your pet sniff the tree: just lay it on the floor and do not make any sudden movements. When the dog gets used to the smell and becomes comfortable with the presence of spruce, you can proceed with the installation. Please note: you will need a very stable stand. It is better to put the tree on a small elevation. In the corner, the place will be the most stable – so the dog will not be able to accidentally touch the tree while running past. In a house where there are animals, you should give preference to an artificial Christmas tree.
Christmas decorations, tinsel, bright holiday lights – all these are new items that are subject to mandatory research. If there is a garland on the tree, be careful not to shock the dog. Be careful that the dog does not swallow any of the decorative elements, as this is extremely dangerous for the animal.
A great danger is the “rain”, which can cut the internal organs of the pet. It is necessary to exclude glass decorations from the Christmas tree “wardrobe”, because they can break and injure the animal. Plastic and stuffed toys are best. If you notice that your pet has swallowed anything from the tree, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The feast is for people only
Traditionally, the New Year’s table is replete with high-calorie dishes. Many owners and guests try to treat the dog “tasty”. This is a big mistake of the owners, which can cost the animal serious health problems. The owners’ desire to please the pet with the help of a festive treat leads to weight gain and can provoke the development of serious diseases, ranging from rapid fatigue to the appearance of heart problems or diabetes mellitus.
In addition, by often pampering pets with something tasty, the owners form their dependent feeding behavior. And then the animals are ready to constantly eat and demand food, because this is the only way they can calm themselves and feel comfortable. To avoid this, spend more time walking together and encourage active play.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s important to protect your pet from potential stress. After all, New Year’s holidays are a great reason to spend more time with a four-legged friend, take a walk with the whole family in a snow-covered forest or frolic in snowdrifts.
By the way, in fact, dogs are very fond of winter and New Year. To prove this, we have collected the most festive photo gallery – scroll through!