At this time of the year there are many festivals and events that end in a display of fireworks. These are always amazing to see, but for our dogs it can be quite a frightening experience. Our pets don’t understand what is occurring and get very scared by the loud bangs the fireworks make.
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The loud noises can cause dogs to try to run away in fright, often jumping over fences or digging under them just to try to get away. This can put them in danger of getting hurt or hurting others on the roads.
A few tips to help your dog prior to fireworks occurring and during the event.
- It’s a good idea to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise during the day, this helps to tire them out.
- Keep your dog inside during the fireworks, preferably with some human company.
- Provide a safe retreat. Dogs often like to get into a small area where they feel safe during fireworks.
- Provide your dog with some entertainment eg a treat-filled Kong. This is especially a good idea if you have to leave them at home alone.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped and the details are up to date, just in case they are a Houdini and do manage to escape.
- A type of jacket called a thunder jacket can help some dogs. It is a tight-fitting piece of clothing that can help them to feel secure.
If you know your dog is very scared then there are different medications your vet can prescribe for anxiety/phobias.
It’s a good idea to make an appointment and discuss this with your vet after they have given you dog a thorough check over.
