02/11/2024
🎇 FIREWORKS 🎆
I’m sure everyone knows by now how their dog reacts to fireworks but here are some things you can do to make them more comfortable/keep them safe as they start to get busier this weekend!
- Make sure your dog has a collar and ID tag on every time they leave the house! Even if they’re going out for a wee, loud bangs can scare them and might cause them to bolt. If you know your dog can be a flight risk keep them on lead when leaving the house/opening doors.
- Make them a safe space…if your dog is crate trained, make their crate as cosy as possible, blankets inside and on top. Put a speaker near their crate/safe space. A radio station where there is a mixture of music and talking might help them feel more relaxed as the talking is a known comfort of people - remember dogs don’t know how relaxing spas are so don’t be shocked if spa music doesn’t zen them out!
- Keep them busy…boredom busters can help take their mind off things! Long lasting chews, lick mats, Kong’s, biscuits in towels the list is endless! Choose something that suits your dog/you know they enjoy.
- Don’t be surprised or disheartened if desensitisation hasn’t worked…no matter how much we prepare with fireworks on tv, loud bangs and whatever else you’ve been doing sometimes they can still be overwhelmed so be prepared just in case! All my dogs have been desensitised to shot, have been on clay pigeon days where it’s constant yet Joy is still petrified of fireworks!
- Be there for them!! If you know they are likely to react negative, stay in with them, keep them company and make them feel safe 🤍🤍