New Year’s fireworks: how to calm down and protect your dog

We do not want to talk about how fun and dangerous it is to burn fireworks in New Year, but we prefer to talk about how to take care of our dogs health, many of whom are frightened by this ritual.

Do not leave them alone

If it is possible, do not leave your dog home alone on the night of the 31st of December. Organize something with some friends who have dogs that get along with yours and have a nice evening together.

If you plan to go out, ask someone who knows your dog, to come put them inside although each one of us have very well defined plans that night. Alternatively, put your dogs in a well-known and restricted environment like the kitchen or laundry room, with food and water available, windows and shades perfectly closed.

If they run away from home, look for them immediately: a disoriented and frightened dog can become aggressive and cause harm.

TV and radio at a sustained volume

Keep a TV or radio on at a medium-high volume with help filter the noises that come from the outside as the canine ear is much more developed than the human ear. This is very useful even during strong storms.

Cuddles and scolding

An extra cuddle is not harmful, but avoid excessive cuddling because that would confirm there is indeed something to be scared about.

Scolding the dogs is very wrong: Besides the fear for fireworks, they will notice you are mad without knowing why. The most frightened ones may pee all over the house. Try to make them get used to a hygienic mat and be very patient that night.

Let them act spontaneously

Many dogs when afraid get really close to their owner because they feel protected and safe and that alleviates their anxiety. They will follow your every step, do not send them away and allow them to do it… Maybe they will even find you in the toilet but a lot of people is already used to it.

By the contrary, some dogs isolate in a small corner of the house, no matter if you are there or not. Place a blanket or pillow so their stay there is comfortable and do not move them: they chose their safe shelter, why would you move them to another place?

How are owners supposed to behave?

Act normally, without showing concern or anxiety, without scolding as we previously said and celebrate, after all, it is New Year!!

The anti-anxiety T-shirt or vest

An anti-anxiety vest was invented a few years ago for them to use in these occasions. It puts pressure in their chest to help your friend to relax and defeat anxiety caused by thunderstorms and fireworks. You can find them online or in pet stores.

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Do we have brave dogs?

The contrary can also happen: the sparks and fire can provoke the dog a danger and protection feeling for their owner and will tend to bite the blast. In this case, distance the dog when lighting the flame and also keep them on a leash when the firework ignites. You will avoid a snout burn or a leg burn or what is worse, if a firecracker explodes, your furry friend can have serious consequences.

Don’t forget to take lots of selfies with your furry friend in New Year and make a print with digital photos and texts to frame. For more information, visit our store.