Dogs and Fireworks

Some quick tips on how to help your pup during fireworks:

  1. Always keep them indoors
  2. Never take them with you to an event where there are Fireworks
  3. Plan to stay home with them
  4. Console them
  5. Play soothing music, I increase the volume to try to mask the fireworks
  6. Don’t try and remove them from their hiding spot, they have found a place that makes them
    feel safe, I usually join my pup there.
  7. Thunder shirts, help by applying pressure that they instinctively seek

BCSPCA’s website has some excellent tips on fireworks

The article starts with: “For many, Halloween is a fun time for candy, costumes and fireworks. For animals, however, it’s one of the most frightful nights of the year — and not because of any ghosts or goblins.”  Read full article here:  Learn More 

Desensitization training for Puppies:

If we get our dog as a puppy, we have the opportunity to expose them to a variety of places, people, dog’s, noises, utilizing positive reinforcement dog training, the method I am describing is desensitization.   We are going to talk about how we can begin to expose our puppies to loud noises.  We have every opportunity to do this gradually and in a controlled environment.  I would strongly suggest that we begin in an area where the dog is very happy to be, inside the house, but has the ability to leave the area, if they want to.  We always have our treats ready before any type of dog training or desensitization exercise.  We start with a very low volume noise or bang, depending on what your dog may have already been exposed to and their reaction to the noise.  We stay with the dog, play the noise and immediately reward them with a treat.  If your dog is already fearful of loud noises, please do this very gradually or consult with your vet or behaviourist, as appropriate.  When our dog is comfortable with whatever level of noise you have introduced them to and you are sure of that, you can increase the volume or intensity of the noise and repeat the above steps, noise – reward immediately.  I also talk to my dog and tell him he’s a good boy or use consoling words to reassure him.  I always stay on the floor, couch or wherever we are, with him.

Scheduling and Duration:

I like to continue whatever I am working on, with my dog, daily and keep the duration of the exercise short.  If we lapse on frequency, go back to the level that you last worked on to make sure they are still comfortable with it. If they are still comfortable with the level you worked on, in your last session, you can increase the volume or frequency of the noise.  It’s important that we are sure that they are completely comfortable with the current noise, before increasing the volume or frequency.  If we go to fast, especially with dog’s who are sensitive to noise, it can be a big set back, if not worse!  If your dog is fearful please do not move forward, with any of these exercises and consult your vet or behaviorist as appropriate.

Counter Conditioning Practices For Existing Fears:

My dog George, was a rescue and he came with a lot of issues!  Using positive reinforcement dog training George is now a pretty well-adjusted fellow! His biggest fear is thunder and he doesn’t like fireworks either!  I didn’t have the opportunity to do any type of gradual introduction to loud noises.  Fortunately, we don’t have many thunderstorms, but I know when there’s one coming because George comes to me and he’s shaking.  He likes to be near me and underneath my desk on his pillow, so that’s what we do and I get on the floor with him and offer reassuring words and lots of cuddles and we get through it!  It’s is totally okay to console your dog! 

From the Fear Free Website on Consoling Your Pet:

“The old notion about consoling a terrified pet only serving to reinforce fear is not
true. You can’t reinforce such a powerful emotion. In fact, some pets can be calmed just by us paying attention and using soothing words. Soothing our pets when they
are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone
rarely solves the problem. Seek assistance from a reputable behavior specialist who
utilizes Fear Free techniques.”
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.


An anxious dog cowers and trembles, its ears pinned back and eyes wide with fear as fireworks explode in the background. The image captures the distress many pets feel during loud celebrations, highlighting the need for comforting care during these moments.

From an Expert:

Below is a link to Companion Animal Phycology’s Article of Noise fears by Dr.  Zazie Todd author of Bark, Wag and Purr Learn More

 

Our Story About Fireworks:

Where we live, fireworks (even though they are illegal) are ramped for almost all holidays, Halloween being the worst of the year!   They start in the daytime and go on throughout the evening, for hours on end until 1 or 2 am.  Our first Halloween was somewhat horrific for him and me – I was not prepared!  Although I had, had 2 dogs before him, they were both puppies and neither of them, had any fears of loud noises, because they were both exposed to them, early in their lives.  We practiced desensitization exercises (I didn’t know what it was called back then, but that’s what we did) right from the start, along with other positive reinforcement dog training. George was my 1st rescue and he was 4 when I brought him home and he has been my most challenging dog and also my best teacher!  I started doing research right away on how to best help him (and me) get through the holidays, particularly Halloween. I was thrilled to see that the experts recommended desensitization. I take him for an extra long walk, at his favorite park, very early in the day, before the fireworks start.  We stay indoors, which I strongly recommend for all dog’s and pets as appropriate.  Every time there are fireworks here, there are dozens of posts of missing dogs and cats, please keep your pets indoors!  I play music – he loves music (except when there’s thunder).  I keep the blinds closed and we hang out in the living room because it’s partially below ground and he feels safe there.  I have already prepared some of his favorite food toys.  He loves his stuffed frozen Kong’s and they take him quite a while to get through, because I freeze them.  I use lick mats and snuffle matts too and bring all his favorite toys, blankets and pillows into the living room.  During the peak times we usually watch a movie using the surround sound, to mask the noises and bangs.

The information contained in this article, except where quoted or a link is provided, is based on my experiences, with my dogs and the many shelters dog’s I have had the privilege of working with.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this article except where a link or a quote is provided, is based solely on my experience with my dogs, my clients dog and the many shelter dog’s that I have had the privilege of working with.  As well as, my education and the many webinars I have attended, podcasts I listen to and books I have read.