As much as we love fireworks, some of our beloved canine friends fear them. Even the most joyous celebration with fireworks can become a nightmare for most pets. But why are they scared? Below are several factors that scare dogs of fireworks and ways to keep them safe and secure during the festivities.
Loud
Fireworks are loud. It has to be because where’s the fun in it? Yes, we humans love fireworks. But because they make a loud sound, they can naturally startle dogs. This can be true because dogs have a keener sense of hearing compared to humans. This makes the sound a lot louder than what we usually hear.
What you need to do is to keep your dog indoors. You can play soft music or turn on a white noise.
Are Dogs Really Scared Or Are They Just Startled?
Dogs don’t like surprises, especially loud surprises. From a dog’s point of view, fireworks disrupt a rather enjoyable night with their family the insistent bangs and loud pops.
You can expose your dog to a recorded fireworks sound to help him prepare for the fireworks display every year. You must gradually increase the sound and reward your dog for staying calm.
To a Dog, Fireworks are Threatening, and they are Trapped
To a dog, the loud firework sounds may be perceived as threatening. When dogs are threatened, their flight response is heightened, but they become more anxious and stressed since they can’t go anywhere.
You can remove your dog from the situation. You can place him somewhere with a rare fireworks display and let him stay there for as long as possible.
Vulnerability
When dogs are threatened and can’t escape, they will be trapped and vulnerable. This can be awful for your dog, hence the term nightmare. You can remove your dog from your area again and go somewhere else until the festivities die down.
But if it is not an option, you can try soothing him with the following tips:
If your dog is crate-trained, you can keep him there. Your dog will feel secure in the familiar, enclosed surroundings, and you can give him a toy or rawhide to keep him calm and occupy his time.
If your dog is not crate-trained, you can prepare a cozy area for it. Place the dog’s bed in the calmest area in your home, such as the closet or a corner. Turn on some music and gradually turn the volume up to drown out the loud sound of fireworks.
It’s always challenging to watch your beloved canine friend suffer from what could have been an enjoyable evening. But that doesn’t mean you can no longer enjoy your Fourths together. If you follow the steps listed above, you should be able to see some changes in your dog’s behavior year after year.
