Help - my dog cant cope with fireworks!

Montyforever

Montyforever

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 April 2009
Messages
5,706
Location
Kent
Visit site
We had our first local display last night, and my dogs terrified :(
Its our first bonfire night with him, so weve been giving him the global herbs fireworx for dogs. But hes still panicing .. hes just curling up in a corner shaking like mad everytime theres even a tiny bang and its only the 30th oct :o

What can i do?
 
Has he a crate you could cover with a sheet/cubbyhole under the stairs/area in bathroom where he can take himself off and be in the dark?
Agree, do NOT fuss him, hard as that sounds, you will reinforce that he is right to be scared.
 
As above, don't fuss as you will just be confirming his fears.
Covered crate, small room & a CD playing for starters. This is one time I don't use the radio in case fireworks come on on the news.
 
As others, making a fuss of a fearful dog, is the best way of rewarding their fears, and encouraging a mind set.

On fireworks night, I've found that for those dogs which live indoors, the best plan is to draw the curtains closed, turn on all the lights, and turn up the telly, or the wireless, as loud as you or your neighbours can stand, and with luck, providing that the display isn't too close, your pooch will be oblivious to the goings on!

Alec.
 
Google for a Tellington Touch anxiety wrap - you can make it with a tail bandage - it should help. Plus all the usual advice. Dark place to hide, close the curtains turn up the telly. And don't make a big fuss - very hard I know - but try to convey calm body language to your dog.
 
With my old dog, who was a quivering wreck with fireworks, I found cotton wool in her ears worked well, just dont forget to take it out before walkies!! Im sure I read somewhere that with fireworks its partly the smell that upsets some dogs, certainly Rosie wasnt bothered by thunder or gunshot so it might be true.
 
My little girl is terrified of fireworks. I put her on serene um about a week before ( get it online not at PAH). I use a thundershirt, or you can use a close fitting tshirt, or as has been suggested a TTouch body wrap. This does help, but much better if used in conjunction with TTouch as well.

Make sure you give your dog a place to 'hide' , TV up loud, I also put on the kitchen extractor fan. I'm not a great believer in not comforting your dog when scared, if your dog wants to be with you that's fine, just dont overdo it and keep upbeat and happy.
 
As above but just wanted to add if you're using a difuser that to get the full effect you ought to get one and plug it in ASAP (alternatively I believe they also do a spray for bedding - might be useful if you're creating a "den" to be safe in and collars). We've been using a DAP difuser for the last few years and the difference it's made to our dog is amazing; still barks at the louder fireworks but will shut it and just go back to sleep when you tell her to and doesn't get anxious about it all.
 
mines a trembling wreck, she races round her walk at top sped so she can get back home. Last night she was bad, sh started under the computer table, moved to the kitchen table then I startd hearing strange noises, went in to see and she was on th work surface just thinking about climbing over the cooker, claned up the mess shooed her out and shut the door and she dissapeard under the stairs so Iv given her a blankie and shes hiding out bhind the hoover now. She seems a bit happier there

Shes one some tablets the vet reccommended, they worked great earlier in the year with the crop bangers but havent made a bit of diffrence this time
 
Thanks everyone, creating a den shouldnt be too hard. He squeazed down between my bed and the wall the other night so i can stick his cushions down there and put a cover over the top. I'll put a cd on in my room too so that will hopefully work :)

Had to laugh last night when my huge greyhound squashed himself practicly under my desk, the same desk that the rabbits cage is on and the rabbit was just bouncing about quite happily :p:D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top