Are you & your dog prepared for fireworks?

by Josh Cooke

Firework fears and noise phobias How to minimise anxiety that many dogs suffer during the firework season.

 Many dogs suffer from anxiety during the firework season, with firework fears affecting up to 80% of pets.

If ignored, firework fears can progress to a more serious noise phobia, whereby even the slightest noise causes panic and sudden, extreme and excessive reactions.

To help minimise the anxiety that many dogs suffer from during the firework season, here are some top tips to help calm and reassure your pet.

Preparing a den for your dog You can prepare a den for your dog to retreat to while the fireworks are going off, ideally a month in advance so they are comfortable using it when the fireworks start.

The den should be covered to protect your dog from both the sudden noise and flashing lights of fireworks.

If your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, it is a good idea to cover the crate with a blanket or towel to enhance its feeling of security.

A den can be made from anything; for example, a strong cardboard box turned on it’s side, table or chairs. It is advisable to create the den where your dog feels safe and where it would normally retreat to, such as in a commonly used room like the kitchen or living room where the presence of people will provide some security.

The comfort of this den can be further enhanced by using an ADAPTIL Diffuser near to the den and/or spraying the inside of the den with ADAPTIL Spray. If your dog finds its own convenient bolthole, such as under a bed or at the bottom of a cupboard, it should be accessible, comfortable and safe.

You should wait until your dog is ready to come out of its den or hiding place. Do not try to coax them out of their hiding place, this can cause more distress to your pet. Some stressed dogs can pant a lot more so make sure a water bowl is accessible at all times this can be placed either in the den or nearby.

For a dog that doesn’t require a den If there is not space or opportunity to build a den, an ADAPTIL Diffuser will provide pheromone support while fireworks are going off. The ADAPTIL diffuser will only take 24 hours to become fully functional once plugged­in and should be plugged in approximately two weeks prior to the event (to allow the pheromone to support your dog in the run up to fireworks going off).

Each ADAPTIL refill will last up to four weeks and the ADAPTIL diffuser head will need to be replaced every 6 months. For constant support in and out of the home an ADAPTIL Collar will last up to 4 weeks and can be used in addition to the diffuser.

The ADAPTIL Spray can be applied to the dog’s bedding for shorter periods of support.. Keeping your dog entertained A healthy treat or a favourite toy can be put in the den to distract your pet. A Kong chew toy is ideal, as it can be filled with food to keep your dog’s attention.

Masking noise and light Curtains should be drawn and blinds shut to muffle out any noise and reduce the intensity of the flashing lights from outside. Play soothing music or have the TV on to further mask the noise of fireworks. Doors and windows should be locked and remain closed, this will muffle the noise but also prevent your dog from escaping if they decide to bolt in panic. Act normally Seeing you acting normal during fireworks will also help your dog feel more settled. Try to avoid leaving your dog on its own while the fireworks are going off, as it may injure itself through fright.

Do not punish your dog for showing fearful behaviour during fireworks. If your dog is frightened comfort your dog as necessary but try and keep this to a minimum as making a fuss of your dog can increase their reliance on you in the future.

Additional hints and tips All dogs should now be microchipped by law. If your dog bolts during fireworks it is likely to be hiding nearby, so you should search the local area. If this is unsuccessful, phone your local police station, any veterinary practices, local kennels, rescue centres and the dog warden to see whether your dog has been handed in.

Walk your dog early in the evening to avoid going out during the fireworks. If you are worried that your pet is taking a long time to recover from the firework festivities, you could speak to your vet about a behavioural therapy programme.

A list of qualified behaviourists can also be found on the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors’ website – http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/. Does your dog have fear of fireworks? If you are wondering whether your dog is having trouble coping with loud noises, check the list of symptoms below:

· Trembling and shaking

· Showing increased ‘clinginess’

· Barking excessively

· Cowering and hiding behind furniture

· Trying to run away

· Soiling in the house

· Pacing and panting

· Refusing to eat

Check this link to take Adaptil’s Sound Sensitivity Questionnaire: http://www.adaptil.com/uk/What­Causes­Stress­in­Dogs/Behaviourist­Fear­of- Fireworks­Assessment

For further information on how to prepare your dog for the firework season, please visit www.ADAPTIL.com/uk

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