It's Friday evening, the night before Guy Fawkes night and already there is smoke in the air and the sound of rockets popping overhead. In years past I would have been worrying about my dogs and trying to take their attention away from the scary noises. This year with just Buster and Squidgey with us I realise that the dogs who hated the noise the most are now at Rainbow Bridge and safe from the stress.
What tips can I give you at this time of year?
1. Stay home with your dogs. Don't go out and leave them as fear can not only make them ill but you could come home to a lot of mess! In fact for a week either side of 5th November we never leave the dogs alone after dark.
2. Change their feeding routine and feed them later in the day. A dog with a full tummy sleeps.
3. Turn the TV a little louder and leave a radio on in each room. Close the curtains as dusk approaches and shut out the outside world.
4. Dogs will need to go out to relieve themselves. Encourage your dog to go into the garden as much as possible during the day and on their walk. Then later in the evening after the children have had their firework parties and before the pubs kick out for the next round of noise.
5. Go into the garden with your dog if they need to relieve themselves during the evening. Have a patio light turned on as your dog will be able to see his surrounding. It will make him feel safe.
6. A cuddle and a lot of fuss goes a long way to keeping your dog calm.
7. Try not to resort to sedatives as drugs could make your dog very unhappy.
8. If this is your first November 5th with your dog and it becomes obvious you have a problem plan ahead for next year. For example:
Have your dog get used to loud noises. There are CDs on the market that can be left on a low setting all day which will help your dog get used to the sudden bangs of the fireworks. I have found these very helpful but not when you have several dogs. One nervous dog can set the other off. You do need to have the CD for several months before the noisy night but start now and you will be ready for the New Year celebrations.
http://www.petvetcare.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2epetvetcare%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fOther_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml&WD=cd%20noise&PN=Other_Training_Aids_Includeing_Sound_Therapy_CD_s_%2ehtml%23a1_21422#a1_21422
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Diffusers are plug in units that release calms the dog by flooding the room with calming pheromones. Creating a safe atmosphere for the dog. Available from all good pet stores or online:
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-behaviour-dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-c-837_2/dog-appeasing-pheromone-adaptil-dap-diffuser-p-6
Herbal products can be very helpful and Dorwest are one of the best companies to visit:
http://www.dorwest.com/Catalogue/Fireworks/Firework-Product-Pack-LARGE-FWPK-LRG
With lots of praise and no scolding you and your dog will survive firework night!
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