While fireworks are fun, exciting and colourful to humans, they are the exact opposite for man’s best friend.
According to Purina, a company of pet lovers, these unexpected, loud noises can cause a lot of anxiety for your dog.
Here are 11 things you need to know regarding dogs and fireworks. This can assist you in understanding your dog better and tell you how you can help it.
1. According to Ragen McGowan, a Purina dog behaviour scientist, “We humans know when to expect fireworks and prepare for when it’s going to happen. As for dogs, they don’t have this ability, therefore the sound of fireworks can be quite startling for them.”
2. “Your dog has extremely sensitive senses, especially hearing. This makes the sound of fireworks more intense for your dog. Fireworks also produce an odour that dogs may be sensitive to,” McGowan said.
3. During fireworks, your dog experiences the same kind of reaction you do when you are surprised by a loud noise. This may include an increase in heart rate, an adrenaline rush, and increased stress hormones circulating through the body of your dog.
4. Fireworks are completely different from thunderstorms for your dog. Dogs can anticipate a thunderstorm as it is paired with a lot of warning signs such as changes in barometric pressure and high winds. Dogs might be more intimidated by fireworks because of their unexpectedness.
5. If a dog isn’t threatened by fireworks, it might be because it naturally easy-going or because it was exposed to enough noises when it was young.
6. If you take action early enough, your dog’s sensitivity to the sound of fireworks can be reduced. To do so you can help your dog prepare for fireworks by playing him recorded fireworks sounds. However, this needs to be implemented months before the time. This includes increasing the volume gradually and rewarding your dog for keeping calm.
7. You can ‘train’ your dog when he’s between three weeks and three months old. You can do this by exposing your dog to loud noises such as fireworks, thunder, car hooters and train whistles. If you do this in a positive manner, your dog will be able to be calm in these situations later in life.
8. If your dog is too old to train, there is a plan B. You can create a special area in your home where your dog can feel safe and secure during these noises. According to Gerardo Perez-Camargo, Purina Global’s Pet Welfare and Behaviour Manager, your dog might feel most secure in his kennel or bed with a nice chew-toy to keep him busy. You can also close the windows and play some music.
9. You can create positive associations with fireworks by giving your dog a special treat or toy during the fireworks.
10. Calming wraps and thunder shirts may help your dog feel secure in stressful situations.
11. Stay calm. This will reassure your dog that there is no real danger. If you are going to make a big deal, your dog will know there is good reason to panic.
• Source: https://www.purina.com/dogs/behavior-and-training/why-are-dogs-scared-of-fireworks-11-things-you-should-know
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