Dogs Afraid of Fireworks
Is Your Dog Afraid of Fireworks? Let’s end it this year.
Dogs With Fear of Fireworks
It is happening with far too many dogs. And it can begin this year, even if it’s never happened before.
I often wonder why we’re finding dogs in this state of panic and anxiety because it’s storming outside. Now, I can remember my grandmother hiding under the covers, but the dogs on the farm never seemed to be hindered by the storm. If I could answer what’s happening in today’s world, and solve this problem for everyone — I would!
But there are some actions we can take and I have seen it work time and time again, with one of my own dogs who somehow developed a fear of storms — and many fosters & client dogs over the years.
Action Plan For Known Anxiety over fireworks:
Desensitization: I start with low-level sounds of storms playing on the tv or laptop throughout the day. Almost non-stop, at barely a volume you and I can hear. Every 3-4 days I increase the volume. After about a week, I start making a few short loud bursts of sound. Just a few seconds. And offer an extremely high-value food reward. We can't simulate the atmospheric pressure, but we can desensitize to sound. If your dog is extremely fearful, I would get the essential oils and/or supplement protocol in place during this process too.
GamePlay:
Start working on a new "game" -- even if it's just practicing quick drills of basic obedience -- but some engagement activity with you, offering high-value food reward and lots of enthusiasm to keep them engaged.
After the game is learned, begin ONLY playing that game when the desensitization music is playing loudly and eventually when the storm occurs.
Supplements :
Consider Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics (https://bit.ly/3pZlhgR)
Getting your dog’s gut health in check is not only good for his overall well-being and longevity — it can be a contributing factor to improving anxiety!
Melatonin may be beneficial for some dogs. But I do not recommend Benedryl. This article explains why.
CBD is a consideration too and I have a great source for you to consider. We Recommend CBD Dog Health Brand
Sleep Essence from Young Living. Contains Lavender, Vetiver, Valarian, Tangerine, Rue & Melatonin. These may help your dog relax when things get loud.
Essential Oils
I also introduce essential oils to dogs who struggle with stress. There are several that come to mind to choose from or blend. They can be used topically or in a diffuser! Start using your calming oils early in the day and repeat the process as you approach the time the nonsense begins
Cedarwood, Vetiver, Valarian, area few that come to mind for easing stress
Learn more about essential oils on my Natural Wellness Website
Your Own Energy
Your dog takes cues from you. If you run the pattern of anxiety they are used to, you can put them in that state inadvertently. Stay Calm, Stay confident, and don’t get into a state of stress with them. We hate seeing our dogs get upset. We want to yell at the neighbors, some of you do! It doesn’t help. And it adds fuel to your dog’s anxiety. When fireworks start at my house — the beef liver treats or frozen kongs or meaty bones come out! Now some dogs will be too stressed to take them — but I’m going to work on doing something that engages the nose, the senses, and show them I’m not worried!
Friends this is doable. You don’t have to get in the bathtub with your dog and you don’t have to see them get really emotional and go through all that drama.
But it does take effort. It takes you putting in some work for a couple of weeks in advance and working through the first few storms real-time with exercises, essential oils, & high-value foods. Commit to doing it and you’re dog will thank you.
No More Fireworks Anxiety. No More Firework Panic.
Safety Protocols
Stay Inside with your dog.
Leash Your Dog for any outing, even a potty break, even if you have a fenced-in yard.
Secure collars, or harnesses fitted properly that they cannot back out of.
Ensure your mobile number is on an ID tag
Update your microchip contact information today.
What If You Have Waited Too Late This Year?
If you know your neighbors are likely to shoot off fireworks, prepare your dog in advance. Consider some advance actions:
A long walk, exercise, gameplay, teach something new in the hours before dark sets in so that your dog will be tired & emotionally fulfilled.
Chamomile tea in the water all-day, maybe even the day before!
Rescue Remedy - before the fireworks start
Melatonin or Valarian root — before the fireworks start
Have some Rescue Remedy on hand (it should always be part of your first aid kit)
Of course, in my opinion, essential oils work the best especially when paired with behavior modification exercises —but I’d rather you have any supportive resources on hand than to do nothing.
Play music in your home at a relatively high level.
Shop for products: https://linktr.ee/welloiledk9
Same protocols can be used for storms