How to Calm Your Dog When the Fireworks Go Out
Fireworks are a problem every year for sensitive dogs, but this year they have become a real disaster. It seems almost everywhere people who have been locked up for months go out every night to put on professional-grade fireworks. (Conspiracy theories abound about the source of these fireworks, but no one can agree other than that they are loud, persistent, and unnecessary.) If you’re dealing with a dog frightened by fireworks, take heart: there’s relief in sight. Here’s how to help them.
Keep them at home
Frightened pets can run away, so keep this in mind if you take your puppy outside after sunset. Make sure they have a tag with your contact information and a recent photo is saved on your phone. Use a leash or, if you can, keep them at home where they are likely to be more comfortable.
Exercising early in the day can improve the mood of some dogs later on (they say a tired dog is a happy dog), so consider taking a long walk or a trip to the dog park before the party begins.
Create a soothing environment
Where is your pet most comfortable? Make room for them to relax and try to get rid of the sounds and sounds of fireworks. Close the blinds so they can’t see the flashes of light, and turn on music, white noise, or the TV to drown out the sounds of distant fireworks.
Recognize the signs of fear
A frightened pet may pacing, drooling, shivering, or seeking attention (such as pawing or chasing you around). They may also chew on things they shouldn’t, or pee on the mat, either out of fear or because they don’t want to go outside.
Don’t punish this behavior; your pet reacts out of fear and is not in the mood to accept the fact that you are trying to teach him a lesson. When you notice this behavior, just calm your pet down and try to keep him comfortable.
Don’t make them listen
It would be great if your dog gets used to the sounds of fireworks, but the day they leave is not the time to try to teach them. If you really want to desensitize your puppy, you’ll have to start weeks or months in advance by quietly playing videos with fireworks in the background – something to think about next year.
Consider an anxiety vest
Some pet owners prefer the ” Thundershirt,” a vest that provides light hug-like pressure that can be worn. Other companies make similar products , and you can make your own using a comfy T-shirt or with an Ace bandage wrapped around your puppy . Try it ahead of time so you know if it works and not try to squeeze the distraught dog into a tight shirt for the first time while the fireworks are on.
Ask your veterinarian about medications
This is another question to think about beforehand, but your veterinarian can advise you on medications to help your pet stay calm. Sileo is approved specifically for dealing with noise in dogs and is a gel that you apply to your dog’s gums before the fireworks show. Other medications, such as sedatives, may be appropriate, but check with your veterinarian.
This post was originally published in July 2019 and was updated by Alice Bradley on June 22, 2020. Changes include: updating the first paragraph to reflect current news.