4th of July, Christmas, and New Year are extremely difficult times for animals, both at home and in the wild. As people celebrate with fireworks in the sky, dogs often react to the noise by swaying, whining, whimpering, running from corner to corner and even running away. What can we do to make sure our pets are not afraid of fireworks and give them the peace and joy they deserve?
Distracting your dog
It is best to distract your dog with soothing and relaxing music. This can be the sound of nature or the radio, so you can drown out the sound of fireworks coming from outside. Also be careful to distract your dog from the noise by playing together, especially with the dog he loves the most. Practising commands or hiding things that dogs have to find on their own is also a good option.
Calm and quiet
If your dog is scared, under no circumstances persuade, cuddle or stroke him more often than usual, as this behaviour only reinforces the idea that he is in danger. Make sure that your dog feels that everything is fine and that noises from outside are perfectly normal. When your pet hides in a place that is safe for him, leave him there. Nonetheless, keep an eye on him and watch him so he doesn’t get hurt.
Stay at home with your dog
On the day of the celebration, take your dog out for a walk before the fireworks and make sure he is on a leash. Dogs who are afraid of noise will often run away, so make sure you keep your dog’s collar up to date in case of the leash breaks during the walk. Prepare your home by closing all windows and doors to hear as little outside noise as possible. Also, close the curtains or blinds to prevent light rays from entering the room.
Try to get your pet used to the noise
You can also get your dog used to the sound of fireworks. A few weeks before the celebration, show a video of the sound of fireworks in front of your dog. Play the video while doing something fun for your dog, such as playing, petting or eating. This way the fireworks can be accepted by your pet or even invisible.
Remember to use common sense above all else, and when considering New Year’s Eve pet care, refer to our previous experience of pet behaviour, and dog behaviour in similar situations. And all this to make celebration days very happy for us, and the least stressful memory for the animals.
