Now that Christmas is approaching, one tradition that always frightens our little friends is firecrackers. Dogs and firecrackers or rockets do not get along well; the excessive noise terrifies dogs and makes them afraid, tense and suffering. Even though you cannot stop people from setting off firecrackers and rockets, you can help your dog not to be so afraid of them. Tricks to calm it, help it overcome its fear and so on will help it to be calmer if this happens.
How to tell that our dog is frightened
The first thing we must know is how we can tell that our dog is frightened. In general, because of the loud noise it causes, pyrotechnics frighten all dogs. The clues are found in their behaviour:
– If our dog tucks its tail between its legs.
– When it whines or barks on hearing the fireworks or firecrackers.
– Its behaviour is nervous and it tries to observe and watch every corner of the house.
– It starts to tremble or drools excessively.
– It seeks to hide under its owners’ legs or behind armchairs and sofas.
– It is in constant movement and its heart rate speeds up.
Once we know it is anxious, we can use the following tips to help it.
How to calm our dog if firecrackers frighten it
Every dog is a world of its own, which is why each one needs its own pace of learning. While some dogs will calm down straight away and may even quickly overcome their fear of firecrackers, others will need more time and may find it harder to overcome this fear, or may never do so. It is in our hands to help and calm them whenever necessary.
The first thing to do is to tire it out, play with it or take a long walk an hour before the fireworks and the noise start. After this, at home, we will put on the television or music so that it gets used to hearing noises, but ones that are familiar, not that frighten it. The idea is to calm it and keep it relaxed.
When the pyrotechnics begin you have to be with it; however, if it gets frightened it is better not to pick it up, since this encourages its fear. What we will do is distract it with a game or toy, try to keep it calm and distracted.
Of course, you have to keep doors and windows closed to try to reduce the noise of the firecrackers as much as possible.
It is essential that we stay calm, since acting as if nothing is happening will convey to the dog that everything is fine and calm, that it does not need to get nervous.
As a last resort, if your dog gets so nervous that it is uncontrollable, you can turn to the vet so that they give it a tranquiliser. That way, your friend will be relaxed and you will not get nervous seeing it having a hard time.
Looking after your dog in every possible scenario is not always easy and firecrackers and pyrotechnics are usually a tricky point. That is why staying calm and conveying it is crucial, as well as distracting your dog so that it can overcome its fear.
