New Year’s celebration fireworks can be freaky for dogs
Just like during the 4th of July holiday, we have the same problem on New Year’s Eve with all the fireworks going off all night. Some dogs don’t even notice the fireworks around them, and others are terrified of every little pop. For dogs with fear of those types of loud noises, fireworks can bring on anxiety and stress. And for some dogs it can be very serious.
My dog, Hooch, becomes very anxious during storms and fireworks. He paces, starts taking the garbage out of the garbage can piece by piece, starts taking the laundry out of the laundry basket piece by piece, or he hides in a closet in a room he won’t normally go in.
One thing that can be done for dogs with this fear is behavior modification using storm CDs, gradually increasing the volume while providing a positive stimulus like petting and treats. I actually was successful in reducing Hooch's anxiety of high-pitched alarms with this technique. He would display the same type of pacing and anxious behavior as he would during a thunderstorm. I set an alarm in my office to go off daily and would comfort him when the alarm went off to help change his association with the alarm.
After a few weeks, he no longer got anxious when the alarm went off. He only lifted his head to see what was going on. Now, if he is asleep when the alarm goes off, he doesn’t even wake up! Reconditioning your dog’s response to the stimulus (whatever it might be) can absolutely be accomplished with time and patience.
Because New Year's Eve is one night only, in a pinch you can try a natural calming agent that you can use to help your dog through those difficult times. Those agents can come in a tablet or a spray that you spray on your pet’s bedding a few minutes before needed. Check with your vet for natural as well as pharmaceutical options.
Another good idea is to tire your dog out with a full day of play at Camp Bow Wow on New Year’s Eve during the day. Your dog will come home tired and be much less anxious with the noise when all he or she wants to do is sleep. You also can board your dog with us so you can go out, celebrate, have a great time, not worry about what time you get home and not have to worry about the noise of the fireworks.
We turn up the classical music at night so the dogs don’t hear the fireworks that might be going on around us. We want to do everything we can to keep them feel safe and happy and snooze the night away. Give us a call if you would like to set up day care or boarding for New Year’s Eve . . . we still have a few open spots! Call 815-385-PAWS (7297) for more information.
Have a Dog Gone Great Day!
- Kari
