Luckily, there are a number of ways to help your dog deal with fireworks. From creating a safe den to using a pheromone diffuser, here are some ways you can make sure your canine friend stays safe.
Avoid going out for the remainder of the night
The first step in helping your dog handle fireworks is to keep your pet indoors. Bonfire night can be a scary time for pets, so it’s important to do all you can to keep them safe and sound.
There are several ways you can help your furry friend prepare for bonfire night. For example, you could leave them home alone or play a few games of fetch.
It’s also a good idea to take them for a long walk during the day so they’re tired when fireworks go off. This way, they’re not only less likely to bolt but they’ll also be more likely to sleep well at night.
Keeping a dog on a leash is the best way to avoid having them jump the fence. Also, a good idea is to create a doggie safe haven where they can retreat to if they get too nervous.
If you’re not keen on leaving your dog at home, you might want to consider hiring a sitter. However, you should make sure they’re armed with the right firework calming tips.
You can even purchase a pheromone diffuser that disperses calming chemicals. Lastly, you might want to look into an anti-anxiety medication.
Choosing the right dog sitter is a key part of keeping your pet safe and sound. Having a professional sitter in place for the night will give you a bit of extra peace of mind.
Of course, there are more complicated ways to keep your dog safe on bonfire night. You can try to mask the sounds of fireworks with a fan or use a nifty sound proofing device.
A microchip is also a good idea, as it can help you and your dog re-unite after the fireworks have gone off. Finally, if you have a dog who seems to be skittish at night, you might want to consider a few cat flaps.
These steps should ensure your dog doesn’t have to experience the worst of fireworks. But remember, the best way to keep your pet happy is to give them a little bit of time to calm down and relax.
Create a safe den
During fireworks season, it’s important to make sure your dog has a safe and comfortable place to relax. The best way to do this is by creating a den.
A safe den for dogs is a crate or a secluded area of the home. It should be a place your dog feels at ease, where it can enjoy a bit of fresh air and maybe even some snacks.
To make your dog’s den more appealing, you can add some toys and blankets. For a cat, you could also consider a plug-in diffuser that diffuses calming pheromones.
In addition, you should also offer your pet the benefits of a good quality crate. This should be a comfy and sturdy box, which will not collapse under the weight of your pet. If you have two or more dogs, you can create a den for each one. You should not put anything on the top of the den.
Adding a pheromone diffuser to your den can help your dog to feel relaxed during firework season. Similarly, if you’re building a new den, consider using curtains. Curtains will block light and noise.
Another thing to try is a soft rock. Studies show that reggae and classical music reduce stress levels in pets.
Besides creating a safe and cozy den, you should keep your dog on a leash when you go out for a walk. Likewise, avoid taking your dog on late afternoon and evening walks.
The best time to make your den is a few weeks before the craze begins. This will allow your pet to become accustomed to its new digs before the festivities begin.
A great way to distract your pet from the noise is to play a food puzzle. Alternatively, you can leave a Kong filled with frozen food in your dog’s den.
Finally, you should make sure your den is soundproof. If possible, you should have your windows closed. Also, you can use a radio to drown out the sonic booms.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle your dog’s fireworks fear. Of course, before you start, consult your vet. He or she can tell you if your pet has any medical conditions that may contribute to their fear of fireworks.
Use a pheromone diffuser
If your dog has a fear of fireworks, you may want to try using a pheromone diffuser. These devices help your pet feel calm during stressful situations. They are available as sprays and plug-in diffusers.
Pheromones are a naturally occurring hormone that helps soothe puppies. You can use them in conjunction with counter conditioning and positive reinforcement training. There are also pheromone calming collars. Regardless of the method you choose, you can expect to see a reduction in stress and anxiety.
AdaptilTM and Feliway FriendsTM are different formulations. While both are safe to use, they offer different results. ADAPTILTM has been shown to ease the intensity of dogs’ fear response, while Feliway FriendsTM was not found to be effective.
In addition to a reduction in phobia, owners reported that their dog’s anxiety level decreased during the fireworks. The study also evaluated changes in owners’ observation and relaxation abilities.
A total of ten undesirable interactions were scored on a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4. The primary outcome of interest was change in the total undesirable interaction score. Additional outcomes of interest included “dog relaxation” and “cat relaxation.”
Before the diffuser was plugged in, participants completed a baseline questionnaire. This data was used to analyze the effectiveness of the pheromone therapy. Using this information, participants were given behavioural advice and techniques to implement.
At the end of the trial, the participants received their diffusers. Optimal positioning was discussed with them. Their home environment was considered when choosing the best position for the diffuser. Ideally, the diffuser should be positioned in a room where the dog spends the majority of time. For larger rooms, additional diffusers are needed.
Depending on the type of pheromones used, the effect of the diffuser on your dog’s behaviour will vary. It is important to continue using the product during the fireworks period.
Dog Adaptil Diffusers should be plugged into an unobstructed outlet. After 30 days, refill the bottle. ADAPTIL(r) and Feliway FriendsTM are pheromone calming products.
ADAPTIL(r) is a synthetic pheromone that works to alleviate a variety of anxieties. AdaptilTM is available in a spray and as a diffuser.
Microchip your dog
If your dog gets lost and escapes, you can try microchipping it. It’s a safe and effective way to ensure your dog is returned to you.
Microchipping is a fast, painless procedure. A small chip about the size of a grain of rice is implanted in the dog’s shoulder blades. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal control officer, the chip emits a radio signal and transmits a unique code. The scanner can then read the code and contact the pet owner.
In addition to microchipping, it’s important to ensure your pet wears an ID tag. This way, if it does escape, the shelter or animal control can scan it. Having an ID tag can also help you to reunite with your dog if it goes missing.
There are many reasons why pets may go missing. They can become anxious during stressful times. During these times, they may hide or act out. Fireworks can be particularly terrifying for dogs.
One in three pets get lost at some point in their lifetime. Pets that aren’t microchipped have a 20% lower chance of being found than those with the correct identification tags. Therefore, having a microchip can significantly improve your chances of reuniting with your lost pet.
Microchipping can be done while your dog is awake, or during a general anesthetic. Microchips last your pet’s entire life, so they don’t need to be replaced. Also, most come with a tag that includes your pet’s identification number.
After you microchip your dog, make sure to register it with the registry. Each company has a different registration process. Once you’ve registered, you will be contacted by the company to renew the policy. As part of your registration, you will be required to update your contact information. Make sure that it’s accurate, as this will make it easier for someone to find you.
During the 4th of July, your dog is more likely to run away and escape. Ensure that it is wearing an ID tag, and that its contact information is current. You can then call the local shelters or animal control officers.
