Fireworks - Off to a bang!
Some dogs love them, many though sadly suffer terribly with fear and anxiety, even if they never did before. As the market for fireworks widens each year, so does the distress caused to many living beings not just dogs, so the team at RFFDMSUK have put together soe tips to help your dog to manage the season well.
Start Early. January - April
Firstly, it is important to know your dog and what they can tolerate noise wise. To do noise desensitisation you can play fireworks sounds on devices such as Alexa or on YouTube. Some rescue charities even provide downloadable options on their websites.
Settle your dog as usual, they should be exercised, fed, rested and have access to their safe space before commencing this. Then set the sound to play at level 1. Ensure anyone in the home behaves as they usually would. Monitor your dog's reaction. If they stay calm, and settled, great! Each week increase the sound level by 1 point. If at any point your dog reacts with even early signs of fear or distress, drop back a level, or play the sound bite for less time. You will need to attempt this again in about a weeks time. If this reattempt has a similar or worse reaction, you will need to skip ahead to the summer preparation section of this page.
Summer Preparation
Come summertime, if you haven't had a vet check in the past year now is the time to do this. Discuss with your vet about how your dog reacts to fireworks and any behaviours that they exhibit.
It is a crucial step to take in order to rule out a medical or pain related cause of the fear / anxiety behaviour. It is also vital to ensure your vet can discuss options with you for to best support your dog.
Below are a few of these options:
- Dorwest Herbs Skullcap & Valarian (can be teamed with Valarian compound)
- Homeopathic remedies from Helios, or Dorwest Herbs Gelsemium homeopathy
- Nutravet Nutra-calm (from a stockist vet)
- CBD Oil (vet can advise where to source & dosage)
- Hemp products from Hempine (Hempine's Jo can advise directly as per their website)
- Medication (see a vet to discuss options in advance)
- Pet Remedy offer a variety of options include a party season survival kit
- A first aid kit would be advisable too as dogs are prone to injury when their fight, flight or freeze response is triggered
Beware of early starters
Be aware that some areas start setting fireworks off early. Some even start as soon as the summer holidays are over. Therefore, it is vital to know your area so that you can prepare in time - this may include natural or conventional support to assist your dog with coping - and these can require time to fully work.
There are alternative therapies that you can consider to help your dog such as canine massage, zoopharmacognesy or homeopathy. If you choose these options, please work with professionals in these areas always.
Final Preparations
As the main dates for fireworks approach, be sure to reach out to your vet should more medical support be required.
It's now recommended to take your dog out in the daytime for walks only, or even miss a few walks if necessary. Ensure your dog is safe when outside, with fully updated microchip details, a legal standard pet tag, a secure garden if they have one or use a lead for toilet breaks.
Look to feed before fireworks commence, with some time to toilet then get settled.
Turn on TV or radio. Shut windows and curtains / blinds and put the lights on. If you have colour changing lights, setting them to a blue setting can help soothe and calm your dog a little more.
Get the crate ready and ensure there is a cover on all sides to help drown some sounds out.
There are radio stations that play soothing dog music, relax my dog on YouTube is also a great choice.
Remember that finding the right thing to support your dog can take time so it is important that you give yourself and your dog time to prepare and learn best what works.
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