Without help, fireworks can cause dogs or puppies anxiety, stress and panic attacks. To help your dog or puppy with fireworks, desensitise them with exposure therapy dog training. The loud unexpected noises and sounds of fireworks can arise at any time of the year but New Years Eve, Bonfire Night / 5th of November, Diwali & Thanksgiving are some of the obvious ones we can prepare our dogs for. Start with this beginner class at a low volume for a number of days or week before progressing to the next level. As each level progresses, the exposure to isolated fireworks sounds increases so that, over time, your dog will become desensitised to the sounds of fireworks. Be patient and persistent with this training.
Top Tip: Nowadays, the technology in our TVs means our dogs can see things and watch TV! Screen and tablets don't have the same technology and dogs cant watch these screens. Also, the speakers in your TV are much better suited for exposure training compared to poor quality phone or tablet speakers.
If you would rather use your preferred streaming service to access Fireworks Exposure Therapy For Dogs Level 1 - 7, here's your link👇
Why Do Fireworks Scare Dogs?
They are loud
They are unexpected
The are unpredictable
Because of these 3 point, your dog may respond as if the fireworks sounds are a threat. They can become extremely anxious, as we do to threats, and show symptoms of anxiety:
Barking, crying/whining
Loss of appetite
Trembling or Shaking
Being over alert, show hypervigilance and/or freezing
Being very restless and/or clinging to owner
Hiding, cowering and having their ears back
Licking and/or scratching excessively
Are All Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
No, there are a range of studies that identify a variety of factors as to why a dog may or may not be scared of the noises, whizzes and bangs of fireworks sounds:
Age
Breed
Previous exposure ( including training )
Number of owners ( better if you are it's only owner )
How the humans in the house react to fireworks (including children)
Neutered or not
Can Dogs Die Because of Fireworks
Directly/physically, although it is highly unlikely, yes: in the same way that humans can. Moreover, if the dog is too close to a firework, it can hurt their ears, like it would ours. However, it is the indirect psychological reactions to fireworks that is the main concern and cause a dog to die or become seriously injured. Far too often, a dog will run in fear of the sounds and be hit by a vehicle. As fireworks are set off in the dark, drivers have less chance to react if they see that dog at all.
How to keep Dogs Safe During Fireworks
Exposure therapy training ( you can teach an old dog 'new tricks' )
Know when fireworks will be set off.
Be with your dog and/or pets a home
Keep your dog indoors ( walk and feed them earlier on known fireworks days )
Drown out fireworks sounds with music or TV
Comfort your dog if they show signs of anxiety ( including treats and cuddles )
Play games with them to distract their attention from the fireworks sounds
You should act as if there are no fireworks: remain calm and relaxed
Music For Dogs and Fireworks
Music for dogs can drown out New Year fireworks too. Here's a video with music for dogs and the extra calming sounds of water to help relax your dog. Following the science, this music is tuned to 396 hz which is a dogs favourite!
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