Preparing for the fireworks season.
Many dogs are sensitive to the noise of fireworks and may become worse over time. The random behaviour of fireworks makes it difficult for dogs to predict when to expect the next explosion and this serves to increase their anxiety.
Managing your dog during this time would be simpler if the celebrations were limited to one evening only. However, we now expect to hear fireworks any time from mid-October right through to Christmas and January. They also often accompany other celebrations such as weddings and festivals throughout the year.
Dogs are also very skilful at identifying environmental cues associated with a fearful stimulus and for some the onset of autumn (with its darkening skies, and changing smells) can be enough to make them become jittery!
Many owners already have their own way of managing a firework event; some dogs are happy just to go for a ride in the car, others have a place to go and hide in the home.
There are a variety of over-the-counter products designed to help reduce anxiety, which some owners find helpful.
Anything that helps dampen the noise of the fireworks is useful, so draw the curtains, switch on the television, and don’t leave the dog in exposed rooms such as the utility room or conservatory.
Build a den!
Make sure your dog is exercised well and has the opportunity to go to the toilet before the evening.
Feeding a meal high in carbohydrates late in the afternoon can help your dog to settle as the evening draws on.
It is also important to be aware of your own response to your dog’s anxious behaviour so that you are careful not to encourage it. If your dog becomes reliant upon you for support during times of high anxiety, it will find it even harder to cope when you are not there.