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Desensitising your dog to the sound of fireworks etc.
Every year, as autumn approaches, many dog owners brace themselves for the weeks of fireworks being let off in their area. For them, it is a time of year to dread, because their normally happy dogs turn into quivering wrecks! Gunfire, thunderstorms etc also cause these same dogs to panic.
Action plan.
Avoid the tempatation to cuddle and reassure your dog – the dog may assume that you too are fearful of the noise and will become worse! As pack leader, you have a duty to set an example for your dog to follow so you must stay as calm and unaffected as possible for him. Try to divert his attention! Open a pack of dog treats or start to play with his favourite toy. For dogs who like to ‘den’ when they are scared, provide an artificial den by covering a dog crate with a blanket or creating a makeshift den for him yourself! That way, your carpets and cupboards may be spared!
Desensitisation.
This can be successful but only if it is done with care. Play a sound effects CD at a very low volume while normal family activity is going on. This may make your dog a little anxious but try to carry on as normal without reacting. It is essential not to mother the dog at all! The CD can also be played at low volume during a game with your dog and during your dogs’ feeding time. Very, very gradually, increase the volume over a period of days & weeks – as the dog accepts the noises, increase the volume just a bit. Do not try to do this too quickly! The mistake that people often make is to rush this therapy!
Homoeopathy.
Go to a health food shop and ask for ‘Rescue Remedy’. Put 5 drops in your dogs’ drinking water every day – it works for many dogs – but not all.
Sedation.
Each dog is an individual and some dogs may need to be sedated. Your vet can advise you on this course of action. Sedation is not a long term option as it can put a strain on his heart. There is however medication more suited to long term use with excessively noise-phobic dogs but this should only be used with the advice of a vet and canine behaviour consultant – it is not a magic cure!
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