Bang, Crack, Pow! A Dogs Fear

Posted on by maryevansster

Bang, Crack, Pow! A Dogs Fear.

Every year countless dogs and cats go missing when they run in fear from the loud bangs of our celebratory fireworks.  Dogs have a much stronger ability to hear than humans and can hear sounds between 40 hertz and 60,000 hertz and when the noise is especially loud they may react defensively, or in fear and protection.  Some dogs will run, some will hide and some will howl, bark and shake.  As companions to our animals, we must do what we can to help prepare the day for them, to protect them, and ease the fear as much as we are able.

Here are some ways to help your pet and ease some of the stress of the displays:

Preparing

  • First, make sure your pet has your information on them- collar with tags and your number to call if lost. A microchip implanted ID
  • Keep your pet indoors- bring them in before major displays begin and keep them in.  If you need to take them out, do so with a harness and leash
  • Close your doors and windows to help soften the noise.  Close your curtains to help minimize the flashing lights.
  • Play music, television, or other white noise for your pet to help minimize the sounds from outside
  • Walk them earlier in the day and perhaps a longer walk to help them get tired so they have a better chance of relaxing during the show

Dealing with anxiety

  • Build a den for your pet.  Blankets over a coffee table they can hide in; a crate; a doggie tent in a corner.  This will help give them a space they may feel safe within.
  • Wrap them in a thunder coat, or wrap with a comfort wrap from your scarf.
  • Hold them if they prefer, or let them be.  Try to follow their lead on this.
  • Talk with your vet about calming medicine and pheromone sprays that can help keep them calm.  
  • Hemp/CBD calming treats can be helpful for many dogs
  • Acupressure- just like humans, dogs can benefit from acupressure to relieve anxiety.  The more often it is done, the better it will work.  One anxiety relief technique is:
    • rub your dog in the front armpit area following the direction their fur grows; have them lay next to you to do this, or if they are too wound up you can have them sit or stand. Then, as they start to calm, press the pad of your finger (no nails) into the deepest part of their armpit gently (about halfway between the front near the chest and the back of the front leg, see picture) and hold pressure for 10-60 seconds, however long they let you.  Then gently and slowly release with more rubs.  Over time this can be quite calming to your pet and they will respond faster.
    • Another calming stroke for dogs is their face: rub from center on nose between the eyes and out, going under the eye.  Also, along the top of the head, rub from nose between the eyes and up along the center ridge of the head.  As you continue to pet, you can work the stroke out to the tips of the ears and across the eyes.  This can be quite calming for some dogs.
    • One other spot, if your dog will allow it, is on the back wrist area of the front paws.  short strokes or circular rubs in this area can also help relieve some anxiety.

Help begin easing your pet into these routines regularly.  Have special toys for high anxiety/loud days, or when a storm is coming (chew toys with favorite flavor, or lick mats, flat furry toys…), a little extra attention early in the day and tire them out for night, or pre storm.  Not everything is always possible but we hope any of the suggestions can help you and your loved one have an easier time.  Happy Tails Everyone1

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