People like to celebrate holidays loudly, and often use pyrotechnics to create even more noise, especially during New Year's and Christmas holidays.
However, this creates a big problem for dogs as they have hearing several times better than a human, and the noise produced by fireworks and firecrackers affects them extremely stressful. They perceive this noise as a threat, and when they hear the explosions they become afraid for their lives. Dogs' reactions are varied, but usually they are: barking, whining, trembling, hiding...
When we know what and how stressful it is for our pets, we can prepare and help them overcome their fear so that we can enjoy the warm holiday atmosphere together.
ACCLIMATING DOGS TO THE SOUND OF FIREWORKS AND FIRECRACKERS
It would be best to acclimate dogs to the sounds of pyrotechnics while they are still puppies, so they can overcome their fear, although adult dogs can also overcome this fear.
Regardless of whether it's a holiday, when we notice that the dog is relaxed and in a good mood, we will play the sound of fireworks through speakers while the dog is playing, eating or sleeping. We can gradually increase the volume of the sound, but we must be careful not to cause a fear reaction. It's always important to keep a positive attitude and act as if it's normal to hear some explosions. Over time, dogs will become accustomed to these sounds and will not pay attention to them.
A SAFE PLACE FOR DOGS IN THE HOUSE
It is extremely important for the dog to have its own corner in the house where it will feel safe. This can be its bed, crate or transporter. We will set up this space to be comfortable for the dog, and if the dog likes, we will wrap it up with some warm, soft blanket. We will also leave its favorite toys next to it. In its “hideaway” it will be able to better tolerate excessive noise.
Some dogs do not need much of a "hideaway" when they are scared, instead they seek our presence. In my house, this was the case with one female dog until she got used to the sound of fireworks, firecrackers and thunder. In that case, we must try to be with the dog when it is scared and comfort it...
A LONG WALK WITH A DOG
Fireworks and firecrackers are mostly fired off in the evening, so it would be good to tire out the dogs during the day so that in the evening they will only need rest. This way, they will quickly fall asleep and won't pay attention to the noise coming from outside that causes fear.
SOOTHING MUSIC FOR DOGS
Just as excessive noise causes fear in dogs, so too will soft, relaxing music have a soothing effect on them. While it's noisy outside, it would be good to play some music on the radio or computer that the dog is used to and that will help him relax.
FEEDING WHILE THE DOG IS STRESSED
Many people think that they can alleviate the stress in a dog by feeding him when he's afraid, but this is wrong. We should not give food to dogs when they are afraid, but instead wait until they calm down and then feed them. Over time, they will associate getting food as a reward for calm behavior.
Our pets will never enjoy fireworks, but they will get used to living with occasional gunshots like they have gotten used to the sound of television programs, even though they don't understand what is happening on the screen.
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