Fireworks

So its that horrible time of the year again when theres fireworks driving our dogs mad. Tonights been the first night to see Tinks response. Hurray, she is not fussed! At least thats something less to worry about twice a year. Em used to be petrified of fireworks and it was so awful seeing her so scared. Just thought I would copy over some advice from the West Yorkshire Dog Rescue facebook page. 

The weeks leading up to November 5th and continuing through until the New Year can be a traumatic time for some pets. Signs of ‘firework fear’ or the phobia of loud noises can range fr

om mild behavioural changes to severe destructive behaviour.

SIGNS INCLUDE:
• Hiding away (under table, behind sofa...)
• Seeking closer human contact
• Whining or barking
• Destruction of living area

HELPFUL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE AT HOME:
• If you have to go out leave the TV or radio on and close the curtains
• Provide a ‘den’ for dogs (containing favourite blankets and toys) where they can hide (dog crate, under table)
• Obtained from your vet - Use an Adaptil Diffuser in the room that will provide ‘refuge’. The diffuser needs to be plugged in twenty four hours a day and ideally from at least a week before the anticipated event. Adaptil helps your dog feel more calm and able to cope with the fear better. Feliway is a similar product available for cats.
• Don’t drag your pet out from under the table/ behind the sofa as this will increase their fear. Your pet has chosen this place as a safe haven.
• Try not to punish your pet as this will make them more anxious and reinforce their fear behaviour.
• Try not to reassure your pet either! This may prove difficult; however, you are reinforcing their fear by signalling that they are showing the correct response to the situation.

EMERGENCY SHORT TERM HELP FOR YOUR PET
• Medications that your vet may use to help your pet include;
• Valerian & Scullcap tablets – work very well at reducing mild anxiety and are safe to use in combination with other medications.
• Diazepam or Alprazolam – provide both sedative and anti-anxiety effects. It is important that the treatment is given before nightfall and therefore before the ‘bangs’ start. A test dose should be given on a quiet day to assess the effectiveness.
• In very severe cases a stronger medication may be prescribed

REMEMBER!
Long term management should be sought rather than a quick fix. A process called ‘de-sensitisation’ teaches your pet not to react to the fear stimulus and then eventually to associate it with something positive

 Gatsby and Gemmas response to fireworks is to bark along with them. 

 I will post some photos after this post so keep a look out :)