This may seem an odd topic for a parenting tips blogger to write about, but pets, especially dogs are a member of our families and can be an asset to any children luckily enough to own one.
Are dogs and children a good mix here.
There are lots of things that dog owners can do to make fireworks less stressful for their dogs:-
My biggest tip is not to say anything to your dog if he appears to be worried by the sound of fireworks. If you say something like “It’s O.K. or good boy” you are confirming that there is something to be alarmed about, if you just carry on doing whatever you were in the middle of and pretend you haven’t heard the loud bang of a firework you will hopefully confirm that there is no need to be concerned.
We were fortunate in that our 2 German Shepherd dogs were not bothered by fireworks at all.
We now have a Jack Russell cross breed who at 6 years is just starting to show concern over loud noises such as thunder and fireworks, he likes to go upstairs where he feels safe or putting his blanket loosly over his head seems to have a calming effect on him.
There are recordings of fireworks available that you can play at a low volume while your dog is relaxed then gradually turn the sound up, if you do this in the lead up to bonfire night your canine friend should be used to the sounds by the time the fireworks are let off.
Other ideas are:
Walk your dog before dark – make sure he has a good exercise and toilet break before the fireworks begin.
Feed your dog a good time before the fireworks start as he may become unsettled and not want to eat.
Make sure your house and garden are secure during fireworks as fear may make your dog try to escape.
Try to settle your dog before the fireworks begin; if he is in a familiar safe place it should help him to cope with the noise. Provide a safe hiding place in his favourite room, maybe under a table; close the curtains and turn up the sound on the television or radio to drown out the firework noises and flashes.
A relation of mine purchased a snug fitting coat for her dog to wear during the firework season this made him feel safe and secure.
Please share any tips that you have to help other dog owners to help their dogs.
Have a safe and happy Bonfire night.
As always questions and comments are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen x
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I don’t understand why fireworks need to be noisy they can look amazing , the noise feels like
they are coming into your windows and can be scary for people as well as so many animals and birds. We used to give our girls a box of chocolates instead of fireworks as they weren’t keen on them either. Organized displays are the best option in my opinion.
Unfortunately there will be no oragised displayed this year, Pearl. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences
I don’t know if our dog is afraid of fireworks. He’s afraid of cows, though, which is hilarious because he’s a 150 pound Saint, and he hides behind me if the cows are in their pasture when we walk by. 😁
Hal thanks for sharing Michele
Our dog Ollie is terrified of fireworks but luckily he is now very deaf so this year he hasn’t heard them at all and been upset. I don’t think fireworks should be sold to the public but insead community events should be held (once covid goes away!) Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky
Ollie, benefited from being deaf this time, thanks for your input, Laura
The fireworks were we are seem to be crazy this year. I guess its because all the big displays are cancelled. My cats aren’t too bothered but they stay inside once they start #DreamTeamLinky
Thanks for sharing this with me
We have 2 house cats & much of the same advice applies – they hate this time of year & largely hide under our bed #DreamTeamLinky
Thanks for sharing this with me
So glad to see a post like this Karen! The fireworks can play havoc with so many pets. Alfie hates the fireworks with a passion and we all have such a hard time trying to keep him settled over the days pre-bonfire night, and after. On the Friday we could hear them going off even after 2am. Ekk! Luckily his new calming bed is working wonders at the moment. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeamLinky xx
Thanks for your kind words, Annette, we can help our pets throughthe fireworks with love
We used to put the volume on the telly up to drown it out. Chris would often spend the night with Ollie to stop him being scared. Thanks for linking up with #parentpower
Thanks for sharing your experience, Laura and for having me a part of your lin
Our cat hates fireworks. We have to medicate her and hide her away. It’s very stressful for a lot of pets. Helpful tips #parentpower
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience, Karen
I love the idea of playing firework noises then increasing the sound. Stressful time for pets. #ParentPower
Thanks for sharing your thoughts