5 Simple Ways to Ease Your Dog's Fear of Fireworks
Fireworks can cause real distress for many dogs. Here are some really easy ways to help your dog’s anxiety around fireworks…
1. Provide a Den
This can be their crate with a blanket over it, or a space under the dining table. Make it comfortable for them with a bed and blankets.
2. Play Calming Music
Multiple scientific studies have shown the benefits of classical music for dogs. You can find plenty of playlists for dogs on YouTube and Spotify. Try them out beforehand to find out your dog’s favourites!
3. Offer Calming Activities
Licking, chewing and sniffing are naturally calming behaviours for dogs so think of activities which involve these. Kongs, lick mats, snuffle mats and chews are excellent.
4. Comfort Your Dog
If your dog comes to you for comfort and reassurance, give it to them!
I am sure you have heard people telling you that comforting an anxious dog is rewarding their anxiety, but this is not true! If I am feeling upset or anxious, all I want is a cuddle. It is the same for dogs.
Remember to listen to your dog. Some dogs will seek out comfort from you, other dogs prefer to spend time alone when they are anxious.
5. Seek Veterinary Advice
If your dog gets very stressed during fireworks, seek advice from your vet. There are many medications, both prescription and herbal which may help ease your dog’s anxiety. Get in touch with your vet before firework season and ask for their recommendations.
Feel free to get in touch with me if you would like more specialised help with your dog’s anxiety. Send me a message via my contact page here: www.rosypawsedinburgh.co.uk/contact
Have you seen my previous blog post on desensitising your dog to firework noises? Find it here: www.rosypawsedinburgh.co.uk/blog
Links and References
Calming Music for Dogs: Soothing Dog Music · Sleepy Dogs (spotify.com)
Music and Dogs: Bowman, A., Scottish, S.P.C.A., Dowell, F.J. and Evans, N.P., 2017. The effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs. Physiology & behavior, 171, pp.207-215.
Calming Activities: 7 Easy Exercises for a Calm Dog (rosypawsedinburgh.co.uk)
Dominance Theory and Comforting Your Dog: Hiby, E.F., Rooney, N.J. and Bradshaw, J.W.S. 2004. ‘Dog Training Methods: their use, effectiveness and interaction with behaviour and welfare’. Animal Welfare 13(1): 63-70.
Veterinary Advice for Fireworks: Dog Anxiety: What Dog Owners Need to Know (akc.org)5
