Is your pup nervous during fireworks?
This is the time to talk to your veterinarian, trainer, and other care team professionals to ensure you set your pup up for success!
Fill prescriptions early, have engaging enrichment activities like lickimats with peanut butter easily accessible for such times, and talk to your trainer about other ways to ensure your pup gets through the festivities safely.
Did you know that most dogs find fireworks terrifying, even if they are not showing obvious signs of outward fear? Dog communication tends to be subtle and can be easily missed.
Do you know how to identify when your pup is nervous or fearful?
Signs of self-soothing and attempting to regulate energy:
* Lip licks
* Yawning
* Intense sniffing, out of context (Ex: pup was just sitting nicely, enjoying pets, and quickly removes themselves and becomes fixated on a smell nearby, while averting their gaze.)
* Moving away/ getting space from distressing stimuli (Many dogs hide in the bathroom/ tub during fireworks as this is believed to decrease the electrical charge in the air caused by fireworks.)
* Averting the gaze/ looking away/ curving their body away/ dipping their head down low, especially while doing any of the prior
How to set your pup up for success during fireworks:
Fill any prescriptions early
Keep windows closed. Close blinds as well if sight of fireworks seems distressing to your pup.
Do NOT bring your pup to a fireworks display- they are NOT interested and have no concept for the loud, inconsistent noises.
Have an enjoyable and soothing activity available to them during the fireworks, such as a lickimat, a beef cheek roll, a Himalayan cheese stick, a puzzle, a snuffle mat or activity mat, etc.
Offer a soothing environment, perhaps utilizing a sound screen/white noise machine or music playing softly to block out some of the noise.
When the display is over, consider: What went well? What can you do differently next time? Start planning now!
Need help?
Reach out and set up a consultation!
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