Why Are Dogs Scared of Fireworks?
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Fireworks are different from things like car horns, thunder, or other loud noises. Fireworks are closer to the ground, and come with smokey smells and vibrant flashes of light.
If your dog is like most, he doesn’t have much experience with fireworks, so the 4th of July can be a pretty traumatizing day.
Here are 3 tips to help your dog stay calm during firework season.
1. An Ounce of Prevention…
Leave your dog at home if you’re going to watch the fireworks. Or if you have them near your house, see if a friend who lives further away from the firework show will keep your dog for a few hours.
2. Crate Your Dog
If you can’t get your dog out of close proximity to fireworks, put her in her crate. Since that’s a place she knows is safe and relaxing, it may help her settle down.
3. Advanced Training
Try acclimatizing your dog now with some loud sounds occurring during play time or right before he eats. Combining loud sounds with things he love and lead to some positive associations, and take away the jarring effect of the fireworks.
As with any situation, be present with your dog in a relaxed and confident way. Don’t start fretting over the situation. Dogs communicate with energy and body language, so keep yourself relaxed and communicate to your dog that there’s nothing to worry about. You can also try giving your dog a double dose of exercise that day so he’s tired in the evening. And remember, it’s just one day, so don’t feel guilty that you’re putting your dog through any torture or that there will be irreparable damage.
