Fur Parenting 101: How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks?

When fireworks begin to light up the night sky, does your dog scream, cower, or cause general havoc? This might be because your dog is experiencing anxiety. You must be wondering why are most dogs afraid of fireworks and loud noises. There could be numerous reasons why an anxious dog is terrified of loud sounds. But fearful dogs calm down through different techniques. Some dogs cope with emotional training and your canine companion may also need to take medications to instantly calm down.

Why Do Dogs Fear Firework Sounds?

Gunshots, vehicles, and thunderstorms are among the loud sounds that can startle dogs, due to their keen hearing. Hence, a fireworks display or a loud noise can be terrifying for our fur buddies. The disturbingly loud sound produced by fireworks usually makes dogs run and hide.

A dog with noise sensitivity can be greatly distressed and terrified by fireworks. This makes keeping them calm challenging. Because of anxiety and fear, they may act recklessly and pose danger to family members. By scratching floors and doors, and exhibiting other harmful behaviors, your dog can hurt themselves when attempting to escape, as well as cause damage to your home. That's why Lumina Homes gives you a chance to purchase an affordable house and lot property where you can create a safe haven for your pets.

With a few simple tips and the help of pet-friendly supplements, you can enjoy your holiday evening with your pet and help it stay calm while fireworks are being set off.

8 Important Steps in Keeping Your Fur Babies Calm During New Year's Fireworks

1. Create a safe haven for your dog.

Some dogs prefer to be in their crates, under their beds, or in the arms of their owners. As heightened distress can occur during fireworks, make sure that there is a safe space is available for them.

Finding out where your dog typically spends the time when you're away is a good idea if your dog loves sitting in your lap but you're not at home during the peak of the fireworks. This is probably the second-most-safe place for them, so make sure they have access to it. Ideally, you should place the dog bed in a quiet area away from windows - such as a basement or a closet - to ensure they cannot hear or see fireworks. Also, ensure your dog has their favorite toys and treats, and consider using a crate if that's where they feel safe.

2. Desensitize your dog to fireworks' sounds.

If you think that your dog will freak out when they hear fireworks, play the sounds of fireworks (softly) so that your dog becomes used to hearing them. Pair a video of fireworks sounds with a treat your dog enjoys. This can help them become familiar with the sounds slowly.

3. Play some background noises.

Having soothing music, relaxing music, or white noise playing around their safe space may help distract them from the noises outside. This may help diffuse the shock of the loud noises of the fireworks season.

4. Physical touch and massage

The best anxiety relief for many dogs is the presence of their humans. Keep regular contact with your dog, give him or her plenty of cuddles, and pat it reassuringly. In the same way that humans hold stress in their muscles, dogs also hold stress in their muscles, which is why being massaged can help them relax. If they have anxiety-induced knots in their neck, behind their ears, or along their spine, applying light pressure in circular motions can help break them up.

5. Fill the space with positive energy.

Regardless of how agitated your pet becomes, make sure you remain calm throughout the evening. Animals such as dogs are very perceptive, and they often reflect their owners' moods (which makes them such wonderful emotional support animals).

As dog owners, you need to remain calm, keep happy facial expressions, and have positive body language to not add tension to your dog's confused feelings.

It is likely that if you let your own anxiety show, your dog will likely have the same anxiety. Staying calm will increase your dog's likelihood of mimicking your non-reactive behavior. By doing so, they will learn that fireworks are not a threat and will be less likely to bark or cry when they see or hear them.

6. Use natural supplements and sprays.

The natural-derived substances found in some products may be beneficial for reducing stress and serve as anti-anxiety medication. Several of these are now available in chewable forms that can be given to your dog as a treat. They also come in spray forms that can be dispersed around the area where they will stay. If you need calming products, look for ones that contain L-tryptophan, lavender, chamomile, thiamine, Valerian root, magnesium, hemp, or CBD.

7. Walk or play with your dog before the fireworks show starts.

Make sure you go on your long walk before the sun sets to reduce the likelihood of hearing sounds. Prior to your walk, make sure your dog is leashed securely and the dog's collar is properly attached.

Before taking your dog outside, double-check the fit of his collar or harness. It is always a smart idea to keep your dog on a leash, even if you have a fenced-in area so you have more control.

8. Talk to your trusted vet.

Your pet might benefit from anxiety medications if they have severe anxiety. Make an appointment with your veterinarian well before the holiday to discuss your pet's anxiety medications. Additionally, you might want to try over-the-counter CBD, calming treats for dogs, or anxiety vests for dogs. If your pet suffers from severe anxiety, you should take steps to address the issue so that he or she can live a happy and healthy life.

Before giving your dog any natural supplements, please consult your veterinarian. A veterinarian can help you decide on the best course of action for your dog based on the needs and biology of each animal.

Create a Pet-Friendly House with Lumina Homes

You and your pets deserve a safe and secure home. So, if you're looking for a house and lot in the Philippines that can help you build a pet-friendly living space, trust Lumina Homes. This community has a calming atmosphere that you can enjoy.

Lumina Homes is an excellent real estate investment partner if you want an affordable house and lot for sale that doesn't compromise quality, comfort, convenience, and perks.

Kindly send us a message if you have questions about buying or selling real estate. One of our accredited sellers will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also view the features of the type of property you choose, including a townhouse, single firewall, or a duplex house, by taking a virtual tour through our website. Reserve a unit and become a Lumina resident today!