Fireworks: Helpful Tips for Dog Owners

For people, fireworks may be a beautiful display of colour and sound, but for many dogs they can be a source of fear and anxiety. As a responsible dog owner, it's crucial to have a plan when fireworks are imminent to ensure your furry companion remains safe and calm. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this noisy time of year:

Create a Safe Space

Designate a comfortable area in your home where your dog can feel secure. This could be a cozy corner with their favorite bed, blankets, and toys; or even inside a wardrobe or a covered crate with the radio playing softly. Close curtains or blinds to reduce the flashing lights of fireworks and help muffle the noise.

Use Calming Products

• Thundershirts: Snug-fitting wraps that apply gentle pressure to help calm anxious dogs.
• Calming collars: Infused with soothing pheromones (like Adaptil), these collars can provide comfort.
• Supplements: Consult your vet about calming supplements or natural remedies.
• Sound masking: Turn on the radio or TV, or play soothing classical music to help drown out the fireworks booms.

Keep Them Indoors

Even before the noise starts, bring your dogs inside and have their safe space ready. Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent any escapes if they become frightened. Block off doggy doors or other escape routes.

Stay Home (if possible)

If you can, stay home with your dog during fireworks. Your presence can be a great comfort to them. Act as normal and upbeat as possible - dogs take cues from us. Engage in calming activities, like gentle play or giving an interactive toy to distract them from the noise outside.

Identification

In case your dog does get frightened and manages to escape, make sure they have proper identification. Check that their collar fits well and has an ID tag with current contact info. Ideally, your dog is also microchipped with up-to-date registration.

Walk Your Dog Earlier

Plan to exercise and toilet your dog well before nightfall, before the fireworks typically begin. A nice long walk or play session in late afternoon or early evening will help tire them out a bit.

Monitor Their Behaviour

Keep an eye on your dog's behavior during the fireworks. Signs of anxiety can include panting, pacing, shaking, hiding, whining, or barking. If your dog is particularly distressed, comfort them as much as you can - despite old myths, you cannot reinforce fear by comforting your dog.

Post-Fireworks Care

After the fireworks have ended, your dog may still be anxious or on edge. Spend some quiet quality time with them, offering reassurance and praise for getting through it. The next morning, keep their routine gentle - maybe a calm walk rather than a busy dog park visit.

Remember, around this time of year, people find many reasons to let off fireworks. Being prepared can make all the difference between a dog that is coping versus a dog that is terrified.