What was traditionally on November 5th now seems to drag on well into the new year and can make life a misery for many dogs and their guardians.
Dogs can show their fear through obvious signs such as shaking and whining but often they also exhibit behaviours including digging and tearing at carpets and doors, excessive panting and drooling as well as vomiting and diarrhoea.
There are a number of ways of helping your dog to cope with the stresses of fireworks and early preparation is the key to success.
Here are a few ideas to help your dog cope with firework night and beyond.
Build a Den: Many dogs like to hide away when they are frightened. This can be behind the sofa, under the bed, or in tight places. As long as it is a safe place for your dog, then adapt the area to make them feel secure and comfortable.
This can be anything from placing a heavy blanket over a table, dragging the sofa out from against the wall, or covering the dogs usual crate with a thick blanket. Build the den where your dog chooses to go and not where you think it should be. It is really important that the dog is not trapped so he must be able to move away from the den or exit the crate should he wish to.
Change of routine: You will probably have to change your dogs routine so they are taken out for a walk and fed earlier than usual. It may mean a longer walk in the morning and just a toilet break in the afternoon as fireworks can often start before it even gets dark. If you have to go out make sure your dog is kept on the lead and as a precaution use a harness in case he panics and tries to get away, you will have more control and your dog is unlikely to get loose.
If your dog is very fearful then try interactive or scent games in the house and garden instead of walking. “Nose” work can be tiring as well as giving them a sense of fulfilment and stress relief.
When in the house, close the curtains to help block out some of the noise and the flashing lights. Turn up the radio and TV a little louder than usual but try to act as if nothing is wrong or your dog will pick up on it.
Dogs sense our emotions, energy and stress levels very quickly, so It is vital to be there for your dog in a supportive and upbeat manner, keeping your own energy and stress levels down to create an atmosphere where they feel safe and protected.
Natural remedies: For dogs that suffer with anxiety, a combination of natural remedies plus adaptations to lifestyle will be necessary in order to provide comfort to the dog.
Calming herbs can be very useful, although for full effect it is advisable to start a number of weeks before a stressful event. The Hedgerow Hounds Tranquil blend, has helped many dogs that suffer with stress, nervousness and anxiety. I have also had success with the homeopathic remedy called Aconite so that is worth looking into as well.
Other remedies to try include flower remedies such as Bach or those specifically for animals including Creature Comforters.
There are also the calming sprays and diffusers which contain essential oils to promote relaxation. It must be remembered that dogs have the most extraordinary sense of smell, so it is important not to overwhelm the dog by using too much or liberally applying it onto their coat. If they cant move away from the aroma this in itself can be stressful. Instead I favour putting the spray or drops onto a piece of cloth or in an area where they can chose to inhale or move away from should they wish to. The Pet Remedy, sprays and wipes are an excellent range and available on the shop. https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/pet-remedy-calming wipes https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/products/tranquil-relax-sooth
The Thundershirt can be useful for some dogs, but again it needs preparation before there is a stressful situation in place. Pressure vests work on the principle of compression, similar to the way an infant feels comfort when wrapped in swaddling. Pressure vests and correctly applied body wraps need to be used regularly before the actual event they are needed for. They have an accumulative effect and it is important that when they are worn initially that it is a very positive, calming and comforting experience. Take time to measure your dog according to the manufacturers guidelines, for a correct fit. It needs to be a snug fit but not so tight that the dog feels stressed and uncomfortable. For more detailed information on the use of pressure vests please read the blog https://www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk/news/body-wraps-pressure-vests
I asked Tom Bysouth BSc (CBT) a force-free dog trainer and behaviourist from Progressive Dogs, for some advise around firework season.
“ As the firework season draws nearer it is not too late to plan how to help your dog through this potentially stressful period. One thing that is important to remember is that you cannot make your dogs fear of fireworks worse by comforting and supporting them. If you have a puppy or young dog you can start to create positive associations around sudden, loud or unfamiliar noises. This can be done with playing a recording of fireworks at a very low volume while your dog plays a search game, eats their food or receives fuss from you. Through repetition, and the very gradual progression of raising the volume this can help teach your dog to associate these sounds with positive experiences.”
Tom can be found at www.progressivedogs.co.uk or email tom@progressivedogs.co.uk
More information on natural ways to help your dog overcome their fears can be found at:
@HedgerowHounds or our website www.hedgerowhounds.co.uk
Tranquil is a blend of herbs, roots and seeds specifically chosen to calm sensitive emotions and associated tummy upsets.
A natural, tried and tested range of products to relax body and mind and bring comfort to stressed, nervous and anxious dogs.