Fireworks advice
Research suggests that almost half of the UK’s dog population shows some level of fearful response to loud noises. So if your pet is terrified of fireworks, you are not alone.
Things to do immediately:
· Provide a den or hiding place- animals naturally hide when they are scared and it can help to provide a ‘safe place’ which they can squeeze into, like an under stairs cupboard or an indoor kennel with blankets draped over the top and inside. An ideal place would be somewhere in the centre of the house (so the noises are less obvious), or somewhere they have hidden before.
· Muffle the sound of fireworks- close the curtains, shut outside doors and windows and have your pet as near to the centre of the house as possible. Put on the TV or radio to mask the loud bangs.
· Keep pets inside- don’t let pets outside if fireworks are likely, or during a display. Take dogs out for toileting before it gets dark and then keep them in. A firework going off when they are out can lead to a fear of going outdoors.
· Don’t over-fuss them- This can be difficult as instinct tells you to reassure your pet. However, by offering them comfort you may actually make things worse as their fear is confirmed by the extra attention they are receiving. Also, if they rely on you for comfort during scary events, they may be less able to cope when you are not at home, thus creating or worsening an episode of separation anxiety.
· Stay calm yourself- most pets can sense when their owners are anxious and this increases their stress. Let them hide in the den, and leave them there until the fireworks have finished. You can give your pet lots of fuss once they emerge from their hiding place.
· Don’t get angry- although your pets behaviour might be annoying, it is only happening because they are scared; getting cross will only make them worse. Don’t take your pet from their hiding place- this will increase their stress, and could induce aggression.
· Prepare for unusual behaviour- fear can make your pet behave out of character. If they anticipate that going into the garden predicts a loud noise, they may hide or show aggression to avoid going out.
· Talk to your vet- your vet can advise on short-term measures which may include medications or pheromone products, particularly if they don’t settle down. These products can help reduce your pet’s stress during the forthcoming fireworks season, and help prevent their fears from getting worse.
Things to do in the long-term:
Fears of fireworks don’t get better on their own- in fact they are likely to get worse without intervention, and could even lead to other behaviour problems. Behaviour therapy (including a noise desensitisation program) is generally very successful at changing the response to fireworks and other loud noises, but the earlier help is sought, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Links: www.dapfordogs.co.uk www.feliway.com www.zylkene.co.uk