Dogs and Canada Day fireworks displays don’t always mix. Many dogs can become agitated or even hide when the nighttime light shows get underway with the first loud bang.
Dr. Nicole Mann, Associate Veterinarian at Moncton Animal Hospital, says any dog breed can have stress from holiday fireworks. She says before any neighborhood light shows begin, getting a comfortable space ready with distractions can help your pet.
“A space where they’re nice and comfortable, where they have a nice bed they know they can feel safe in and lay down in. Have toys around that are safe for them to play with and have some treats and high value foods to help keep them occupied,” relates Dr. Mann.
Some dogs will run and hide anywhere in the home. Doctor Mann suggests an added approach in finding ways to mitigate the noise levels to cover for all the commotion.
“Keeping that room either as quiet as possible with soundproofing or having distracting noises, (such as white noise) or keeping the TV or the radio on and turned up, to give them other noise stimulus so they’re not hearing the fireworks as much or at all.”
If you’re outside, Dr. Mann says keeping your dog on a leash as the sudden noise from fireworks can cause your pet to dart away suddenly and hide.
She says a Thundershirt, which essentially swaddles your pet in a tight sweater, can help some dogs cope with the loud noises in or out of the house.
“It just helps some animals feel calm with kind of that snuggle cozy feeling, but of course it doesn’t work for everybody, but there are some animals which are really comforted by it and it does seem to make a difference.”
Other tips include acting normally around your dog and not acknowledging the fireworks if you’re at home along with another behavioral tip for owners who feel their pet might be too much to control while the blasts are happening.
“Don’t punish your animal for showing any signs of anxiety. That may sound quite obvious, but ‘Shushing’ them or yelling at them to be quiet, that may be perceived as punishment to them. We don’t want to make them feel bad for the fact that they are scared or uncomfortable.”
Dr. Mann says anyone with questions on dog behaviors, specifically to fireworks and other loud noises should talk to their veterinarian if they require additional help for their pet.
