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I'm baaaaaaaaack! If you're reading this then, like me, you survived the holidays! Well, almost, because New Year's Eve and the inevitable New Year's Day are just around the corner. Parties, alcohol, pointy hats, noisemakers, watching the ball drop, and......fireworks. Fireworks make us humans “ooohh” and “aaaahhh” over their brilliance, but dogs, not so much. The flashes and noise can make your dogs anxious, uncomfortable, or downright terrified. With that in mind, this blog is going to help you make your furry friend more comfortable during fireworks displays.
I think the most important thing to remember is that your dog should be inside during fireworks. It's pretty common for a dog who is outside to get spooked and escape. The animal is obviously looking for a reprieve from the booming noise and flashing lights, and they aren't wise enough to know that running away won't work. The last thing you want is your scared dog running around outside, too frantic to remember the way home. Of course, your dog should have a collar with identification tags on at all times while outside, just in case. A microchip is always a great idea, as well.
So you and your dog are inside, and the fireworks are in full swing. One thing you can do is try to drown out the noise of the fireworks with something else, like the television or radio. Now, that doesn't mean BLAST out the sound with a too-loud sound system; that's just trading one stressor for another. But if the fireworks can be muted with a more familiar sound, that is a plus. Believe it or not, there is actually specific music created to calm your dog! A sound scientist, a veterinarian and a concert pianist walked into a bar.....just kidding. But they did collaborate to create “Through a Dog's Ear” CD. I listened to a clip in the name of research, and to this amateur, it just sounded like soft classical piano. Not your usual rousing New Year's music, but whatever works, am I right? Closing the blinds and shutting the curtains will not only keep your nosy neighbors from peeking in, but will dim any sudden bursts of firework lights that will startle your dog. That's a double-win right there.
Your pet needs a safe spot during the fireworks. If they have been crate trained and are used to being in a crate, that might be a great spot for them. It's familiar, enclosed, and smells like them. The safest spot of all might be with the person that they love the most: YOU. Having your pup near you, petting them, talking to them, giving them treats, and brushing them is probably the most comfort you can provide. You can even pet with one hand while holding a cocktail in the other!
If you know your dog is anxious around fireworks, thunderstorms, or even during separation from you, there is a product called a Thundershirt that may help. The Thundershirt company equates it to swaddling an infant. It's a snug vest for your dog that has velcro around the neck and belly. The close-fitting vest is supposed to give your dog a feeling of comfort, security, and safety. They boast on their web site that they have a success rate of over 80%, and offer a money back guarantee. The Thundershirt is between $40- $45, and comes in various colors and sizes. Maybe worth a shot for your scaredy-cat dog.
If none of the above makes a dent in your pup's fear, you can always contact your veterinarian for a sedative. Personally, this would be a last resort for me. Between the costs of the vet visit, the medications, and a droopy dog, it's not super appealing.
And there you have it, folks, how to keep your New Year's from becoming Dog Hysteria. Anyone else who can't get Katy Perry's “Firework” out of their head right now? Wishing you all a very happy, safe, and calm new year!
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/thunderstorms-fireworks-and-dogs#
https://www.peta.org/blog/easy-ways-help-dogs-cope-fireworks/
http://www.thundershirt.com/