Fireworks
Dogs for many years have been selectively bred for their sensitive hearing; they can also hear more sounds than humans, so it is no wonder that they do not appreciate the bangs and screeches made by modern fireworks. For some dogs this fear can be so extreme that it starts to affect their quality of life.
First principles:
When you know that there are going to be fireworks, take your dog for a long walk during daylight hours, so they will be tired and will not need to out again after dark (apart from possible to the garden to go to the toilet and then wait until all fireworks have stopped). As soon as it is dusk, pull all the curtains in the room that your dog is in and put on some background noise (TV, radio, music). The loudness of this noise will depend on the level of fear your dog has and how much noise you need to block out.
Create a den:
Give your dog a safe place to escape if they are getting worried. This can be made by draping a heavy blanket over a crate or table. Make a comfy bed in it and put some familiar objects in there. If your dog chooses to go into the den then leave them in there alone. Don’t over fuss them - this can be difficult, but if they rely on you for comfort during scary events, they will be even less able to cope when you are not at home.
Other helpful aids:
DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheramone), this is now available in diffuser, pump spray and even collar form. This product can help your dog to feel more secure and less anxious during the whole firework season. If using a diffuser, plug it in near your dogs “safe” place.
Zylkene, this is a new product which can help your pet to deal with stressful situations. It is natural and palatable and only needs to be given once daily. If can be used long or short-term and can be used as an aid with training.
Drugs
Some dogs get so stressed during fireworks that they can have panic attacks. In this situation your vet may advise some form of sedative or tranquiliser for your dog. There is not a one size fits all, and these medications need to be individually tailored to your dogs requirements, so please plan early and discuss with your vet.
What can I do to prevent this problem next year?
Desensitisation
The only way to prevent the problem recurring is to desensitise your dog to the noises of fireworks. The easiest and most effective way of doing this is to use one of the widely available sound CDs. Start by playing it at a very low level and engage your dog in an enjoyable activity with the noise in the background. Gradually increase the volume as your dog’s tolerance improves. If they have a negative reaction to this, go back to the previous acceptable level for longer. Play the CD in as many different places as possible, even outside the windows to mimic the real sounds. Please note it will take several weeks or even months before the dog is completely tolerant of the CD.
Also, don’t forget if you are having a bonfire, hedgehogs love to nest and hibernate in piles of dry twigs and leaves, so don’t build your bonfire till the last minute and check for any hedgehogs before lighting
PS
Please keep your cats indoors after dark once fireworks start as the loud bangs and bright flashes also scare and startle cats. Pheramones for cats (feliway) can also be helpful if your cat appears upset.