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Fireworks
Fireworks can be very stressful for our pets and it is common for many of them to be fearful, especially when it’s peak season. Keep reading to find out how you can help support them.
beginning your journey
In order to expose your pet to the sounds firework season brings, you can follow a behaviour modification process called desensitisation which, in this case, involves gradually exposing them to firework sounds.
In the case of fear reactions to fireworks, desensitisation is about slowly reintroducing the sound of fireworks at a level that the dog shows no signs of stress and gradually increasing the sound to the standard volume a firework is usually heard at. Overtime, through using this process, the sound of fireworks will become a lot less scary for your dog.
When starting your desensitsation journey, start by playing sounds of fireworks at a very low level and provide your pet with their favourite, relaxing enrichment such as a likimat, kong or long lasting chew.
Sounds of fireworks can be found on websites such as YouTube.
Over the course of a few days or weeks depending on your pets reaction and ensuring that they are coping with the level of exposure, gradually increase the volume that these sounds are played at. If there are any signs that your animal is not coping, go back a step and remain on that step until they appear comfortable.
planning for a firework display
In order to have the best chance to avoid distress on a known fireworks display evening, a plan should be made to give your dog the best chance at staying calm and relaxed.
If your dog is particularly fearful, you may wish to consult your vet prior to the evening. They may be able to suggest and prescribe supportive medication. This may be particularly important for those with known noise sensitivities, those that have reacted to the sounds of fireworks, those with a history with a fear of fireworks, those that are particularly nervous.