Fireworks season can be a stressful time for you and your dog, so what can you do to prepare for it? Animal behaviourist and Tellington TTouch instructor Toni Shelbourne advises.
GET READY FOR FIREWORKS NIGHT
It’s not unusual to feel helpless and distressed watching your dog quake with terror. In previous years during fireworks season you may have tried a few calming remedies or an anxiety vest, but nothing seems to have worked. But have you tried these remedies in combination? And have you started your preparations in good time as this can make a real difference?
I have been successfully working with clients, teaching and writing about firework phobias in dogs for years. Rest assured, even with an older dog, you can make a significant difference to their emotional well-being with some simple preparations and changes starting just a month before the fireworks season begins.
FIRSTLY, FIGURE OUT WHY YOUR DOG IS FRIGHTENED. THIS COULD BE DUE TO MANY REASONS AND INCLUDES:
● A health condition.
● Acutely sensitive hearing.
● Lack of exposure to novel sounds as a young puppy.
● A traumatic experience like being caught outside when a firework went off.
REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE FIRST OF OCTOBER
No, I haven’t got the rhyme wrong — I’ve made up this new one because October 1 should be the latest date you start your preparations. And first things first, a health check is needed.
VET CHECK
Dogs with pain issues are more sensitive to noise. Think about a time when you were in pain, and you might remember that sounds seemed more intense. Many dogs, especially those eight years and older, have discomfort in their body somewhere but don’t necessarily show it outwardly. If your dog has been fine with thunder and other noises, but in the last year or so has become noise phobic, you can probably link this to pain. Discuss it with your vet, and even if they can’t find a cause, ask for a 12-week, pain-relief trial.
Also, talk to your vet about joint supplements if your dog is showing signs of stiffness or slowing down. Whatever helps him feel physically comfortable will be beneficial.
Essential oil-based plug-ins and herbal-based tablets can help the brain to produce chemicals associated with feelings of well-being and calmness. These readily available products, many of which contain similar ingredients, all need a lead-in time to really have a positive effect, so get these started early. W
