What can be Done About Dogs' Fear of Fireworks?
Fireworks and Dogs - Ideas for Helping Dogs with Fireworks Phobia
Nov 1, 2009
So as another Guy Fawkes night looms, the problem again arises of what can be done about dogs’ fear of fireworks?
Dogs that are scared of fireworks will have a variety of reactions. Some dogs bark while other dogs tremble and hide. Many normally “outside” dogs will suddenly scratch furiously at doors trying to get inside to be with their owners.
Sometimes bringing dogs inside for the evening is enough to remedy the problem. But what is a dog owner to do if say, their dog continues to bark while inside and there are children in the house trying to sleep? And what can be done if neighbours persist with unexpected fireworks explosions on nights other than the official Guy Fawkes evening?
Garage a Good Safe Haven on Guy Fawkes Night for Dogs Scared of Fireworks
Perhaps the best solution to these two problems in particular is to have a safe enclosure outside for the dog, a garage being an obvious spot. The dog can be shut safe and sound in the garage with a nice warm bed. Although the dog might still bark, the noise will be somewhat muffled so unlikely to wake anyone. A thick layer of newspapers could be spread across the floor to guard against any accidental toileting stains.
Some dog owners who confine their dogs to garages for the night, say leaving a radio to play quite loudly in the room is a good way of drowning out fireworks explosions.
If the only place available is the dog’s kennel, then consider fitting the inside back wall of it with a short lead. In the event of any fireworks, the dog can be clipped by its collar to the lead and subsequently prevented from venturing out under the open sky or seeing overhead fireworks. However, take care if resorting to this method as many dogs are traumatised simply by the sound of fireworks and may feel even more threatened if restrained and alone.
The car is another place many dogs recognise as a safe haven and will often settle there despite the booms and bangs of fireworks outside.
Many dog owners swear by giving their dog a few drops of rescue remedy each evening as a way to calm its nerves in preparation for any sudden fireworks explosions.
Sounds Scary CDs for Dogs with Fireworks Phobia
But dog owners really keen to rid their canine companions of fireworks phobia will invest in specialist CDs with fireworks on them, such as the Sounds Scary range (available by mail order from Amazon). They believe routinely playing these to their dogs in the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes effectively desensitises the animal so that it is no longer stressed by the real event.
The issue of those neighbours that like to drag fireworks night out for weeks after is tricky. In New Zealand, where this author lives, the only legislation surrounding fireworks is that which restricts sales to just one day. There is nothing to stop people from stockpiling crackers to let off at any time. NZ Police say they would not intervene unless those people were creating a significant nuisance.
Police advise complainants to visit the offending neighbour and explain their concerns. However, that is not always practical. A polite note (emphasis on polite!) in the offending neighbour’s letterbox can sometimes bring about a cease-fire. The neighbour could be asked to consider taking their fireworks to a park or beach instead of letting them off in the yard.
Restrictions Could End Problem of Fireworks and Dogs
Short of taking a dog scared of fireworks to an expensive dog therapist, there is little else that can be done to help ease their distress. However, dog owners could band together and join the ever-increasing group of people lobbying to have fireworks events restricted to public displays only.
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