What to do when fireworks set off your dog

Posted on 31. Dec, 2009 by admin in Dog Health, Top Stories

STAFF REPORT
@2009NoDogNo.com

About one in every five dogs have some form of nervous reaction to fireworks–even those popping in the distance. Their responses can range from nervous alertness to full-blown panic. In Brownsville, Texas, we especially love our fireworks, and many neighborhoods see hear plenty of pops, booms and whizzes despite a Texas law prohibiting any fireworks of any kind within city limits.

There’s not much you can do to train your dog not to be nervous about fireworks today, as revelers have already started launching their firecrackers and rockets in celebration of New Year’s Eve and the arrival of 2010. But you can help your dog get through the night–and maybe the next couple days–with a little bit less stress.

First, don’t scold the dog for being afraid. The dog’s response is natural, and given their sensitive ears, they may be responding to noises outside the range of human hearing. Whatever the case, your dog will not understand any reasoning or cajoling when it comes to getting over its fear of fireworks.

But don’t take the opposite strategy and console or cuddle your dog when he or she is afraid. That sends a message that the dog should be scared, which can make the dog’s nervousness much more permanent. Instead, distract your dog as best that you can with either a treat or two or perhaps a game. If your canine buddy starts to feel secure enough, he may even start to associate pops in the distance with good things, such as treats and fun.

Bring your dog inside. A dog who is alone and in the backyard might reach a state of panic that causes a lot of trouble. One of the greatest risks is of escape. A good number of dogs go missing on holidays with fireworks, simply because the dog gets into a state of panic and flees. Unfortunately, the dog will likely flee and flee and flee in random directions because the fireworks are everywhere. Your best protection is to allow your dog to stay inside until the fireworks have ended.

The best place indoors will be a quiet, dark room. The dim lighting will act as a signal to calm your dog, much like a safe den would do. You could choose to play a radio or something to further mute the sounds from outside. Provide things with your scent on them as well, especially if you’ll be in another room. A good idea might be to place one of your T-shirts on the dog. Not only will the dog be wrapped in your scent, but after slipping to dog’s front paws through the sleeves you can not the shirt in the back to provide a little bit of tension. Not too tight. Just tight enough to keep the shirt snug, which might work like a therapeutic touch, according to some dog people.

Also, you might consider preparing for the next big wave of fireworks by ordering a product called a ThunderShirt. These specially designed dog shirts provide a snug fit and touch pressure points that help calm your pet. Check out the company’s website here.

If your dog’s reaction is severe enough to cause you major concern for its health and safety. Consult your veterinarian, who can provide expertise and prescribe tranquilizers or other medications.

Happy New Year, Brownsville!