Thunder and Fireworks Safety for your Dog

fireworks

 

Thunder and Fireworks can be a very stressful time for your dog. The following is information that can help reduce that stress and help keep your dog safe during storms. Plenty of dogs that are not scared of fireworks. Perhaps they were exposed at a young age to loud noise, or are just easy-going in general. However, for those that have a scared or fearful dog, you will find listed below information to be applied early in a dog’s life, but also some last minute solutions that may help reduce the stress now.

Preventative:

Starting early can help lower your dog’s sensitivity to fireworks. Fear will get worse over time, handle it now. This is not a short-term fix but long term training by increasing your dog’s exposure through positive reinforcement/rewards.

Associating loud noise with rewards

  • Start early by rewarding your dog with cuddles and treats when loud noises are heard.

Talk to your Vet about the use of drugs – some of these dogs/fears may require drugs before any improvement can be seen.

Schedule an appointment with a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviourist – Not every community has one, so talk to your Vet for any references.

Sound Therapy: Desensitize your dog through Thunderstorm CDs. Use this technique beforehand to slowly expose your dog to louder and louder noises, and rewarding them all along with treats and/or pettings.

“Through a Dog’s Ear” – specifically designed to reduce canine anxiety. Start using it when your dog is already in a calm, relaxed state, long before any fireworks. He will begin to associate this training with being in a calm/relaxed state. Then, on the night of the fireworks, begin the music hours before to bring him into that same state…continue straight through the fireworks and afterward as well. It doesn’t have to be loud and it has been clinically proven to calm the canine nervous system.

Sound Therapy combined with Desensitization: Fireworks, Thunderstorms, City Sounds, and Calming. A desensitizing training tool for sound sensitive and noise phobic dogs with Victoria Stilwell.

  • Progressive sound effects
  • Specifically-designed psychoacoustic music
  • Reward-based reinforcement protocols

iCalm Dog 3.0 – portable player – A preloaded audio player

 

DURING OR DAY OF THE EVENT:

Do Not Take Your Dog to a Fireworks Display – leave them at home where they feel safest. Dogs have been known to bolt at the first explosion of fireworks, pulling the leash right out of the owner’s hands. This is very common with extended retractable leashes. Also, remember that dogs can change over time and those that were not scared before, may be frightened this time. It’s always best to leave your dog at home, in a safe, calm environment. Please don’t gamble with your dog’s safety by taking them to fireworks displays.

Know: It’s normal for a dog to be scared

  • Dogs have keen senses (acute hearing/sensitive nose), fireworks makes for a more intense experience – loud noise and offensive odor if close
  • Dogs will be startled: increased heart rate, a rush of adrenaline, and an increase in stress hormones – it makes it hard for dogs to orientate.
  • Thunderstorms have warnings: barometric pressure changes, electrostatic increase, high winds, dark clouds… dogs can anticipate the change. Fireworks are sudden and dogs may be more intimidated by them.

Plenty of exercise before the event – Take your dog for a long walk or extended play time before the bad weather approaches or before a Fireworks Display.

Make sure your dog is wearing their ID tags with a properly fitting collar at all times – Even when your dog is at home have them wearing ID tags as fearful dogs have been known to bolt through doors and windows (both screen and glass). We recommend using a martingale style collar, as most dogs cannot back out of them… a technique successfully used by scared dogs to escape their leashes. However, if your dog is locked in a kennel at home, it’s best to remove their collar so their tags or buckle doesn’t get stuck in the wire mesh.

Do not let them “sweat it out” – Dogs will not learn to calm themselves, but instead are likely to become much more stressed when left to their own devices.

  • Comforting your dog will not make it worse, will not make them a ‘wuss’.
  • Providing positive or distracting stimulus is more likely to calm her down.
  • Using frozen treats in a toy can help distract a stressed dog

You need to stay calm – That doesn’t mean you can’t love on your dog, it means that you do it while staying calm and relaxed, reassuring your dog that everything will be okay or more correctly for your dog, that everything is okay.

Associating loud noise with rewards

  • Start early by rewarding your dog with cuddles and treats when loud noises are heard. But this method can still be effective on the day of the event.
  • Create a happy feeling around fireworks by giving your dog a special treat or toy. Again the classic frozen kong toy is a great idea.

Keep dogs inside during the event – preferably with human companionship.

  • Turn on air conditioning, if an option, and close all windows (reducing the loudness of the event)
  • A newer option is a pair of mufflers for your dogs ears, helping to reduce the sound of thunder or fireworks: Mutt Muffs

Create a retreat inside for your dog – Create a special area within your home where your dog can feel safe and secure.

  • A crate is a good example… placed in their crate (if already crate trained) with a stuffed kong may be enough to make them feel safe.
  • Putting their bed closer to you, with windows/doors closed while playing soft music is another way to create a safe zone for your dog.
  • Remove your dog from the noise or smother it by creating a safe/comfy place in an inside room, bathroom or closet (can use the crate here as well).
  • Windows and curtains closed. Covering the crate may help by removing visual stimuli, helping to calm your dog.
  • Play calming sounds or music. Use white noise machines, music made especially to calm dogs, or classical music to calm your dog.

Sound Therapy – Play calming music that you have trained them with in the beginning. But even if you haven’t trained them with this, you can still use this technique. Calm classical music can work or the suggested, Through a Dogs Ears, classical music created just for dogs is a great help.

Calming wraps/Thundershirts™ can help some dogs, even if it just takes their fear down a notch, they are a great tool in your Fireworks toolbox. The swaddling, a gentle, constant pressure, works like with a baby, making your dog feel more secure in stressful situations. You will see some improvement to varying degrees depending on the dog. For my dog, it definitely takes the edge off the anxiety.

Calming Wrap Technique

Thundershirts™

TTouch Anxiety Wrap

Natural therapies may help with the first signs of fear. However, it may be too late for them to work on severe cases – when stress is elevated to it’s highest point. Bach Flower, Lavender Oil, DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones) sprays are all effective to some degree or other… may depend on the dog itself as well.

DAP: Adaptil

Rescue Remedy

Canine Calm

Pet Naturals Calming Treats

 

 

Resources:

Victoria Stilwell:

https://positively.com/contributors/10-safety-and-calming-tips-for-dogs-during-fireworks/

 

Purina:

https://www.purina.com/dogs/behavior-and-training/why-are-dogs-scared-of-fireworks-11-things-you-should-know

“Providing a positive or distracting stimulus is more likely to calm her down.” 

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/dailyvet/2009/June/09-4226

 

 

 

LOST DOG FLYER: Missy, Pomeranian/Poodle Mix, Female, 12 yrs – Dayton, Yarmouth, NS

FLYERS are best used handing out going door to door searching. Also they are appropriate for busy pedestrian traffic such as mailboxes, lamp posts near bus stops, etc., and on bulletin boards and windows of local businesses.

Please feel free to print off copies of the flyer to hand out:

 

This is a JPG version:lostpostermissyjpgpompoomixfemale12daytonyarmouth91316

And here is a PDF version:

lostpostermissypdfpompoomixfemale12daytonyarmouth91316

LOST DOG FLYER: “MARGO” — Italian Greyhound, Female, 5 yrs — Ravenscraig, Halifax, NS

FLYERS are best used handing out going door to door searching. Also they are appropriate for busy pedestrian traffic such as mailboxes, lamp posts near bus stops, etc., and on bulletin boards and windows of local businesses.

Please feel free to print off copies of the flyer to hand out:

 

This is a JPG version:  LOSTDOGFLYERJPGMargoItalianGreyhoundFemale5yrsRavenscraigHRM8:30:16

 

This is a PDF version:

LOSTDOGFLYERPDFMargoItalianGreyhoundFemale5yrsRavenscraigHRM8:30:16

LOST DOG FLYER: Cocker Spaniel, Male, 7 yrs — Fall River, HRM, 8/27/16 — “Alfie”

FLYERS are best used handing out going door to door searching. Also they are appropriate for busy pedestrian traffic such as mailboxes, lamp posts near bus stops, etc., and on bulletin boards and windows of local businesses.

Please feel free to print off copies of the flyer to hand out:

 

This is a JPG version:  LOSTFLYERJPGAlfieCockerSpanileMale7yrsFallRiverHRM8:27:16

 

This is a PDF version:   LOSTFLYERPDFAlfieCockerSpanileMale7yrsFallRiverHRM8:27:16

LOST DOG FLYER: T-Bone, Chihuahua, Female, 1.5 yrs, Greenwood, Kings, 8.21.16

FLYERS are best used to hand out when going door to door searching. Also they are appropriate for busy pedestrian traffic such as mailboxes, lamp posts near bus stops, etc., and on bulletin boards and windows of local businesses.

Please feel free to print off copies of the flyer to hand out:

 

This is a JPG version:

LOSTFLYERTBoneChihuahuaMale1:5yrsGreenwoodKings8:21:16

 

Here is a PDF version:

LOSTFLYERTBoneChihuahuaMale1:5yrsGreenwoodKings8:21:16

LOST DOG FLYER: Barbie, Longhaired Chihuahua, Female, 4 yrs, Valley, Colchester, NS, 8.21.16

FLYERS are best used to hand out when going door to door searching. Also they are appropriate for busy pedestrian traffic such as mailboxes, lamp posts near bus stops, etc., and on bulletin boards and windows of local businesses.

Please feel free to print off copies of the flyer to hand out:

JPG Format:

LOSTFlyerBarbieLonghairedChihuahuaFemale4yrsValleyColchester8:21:16

PDF Format:

LOSTFlyerBarbieLonghairedChihuahuaFemale4yrsValleyColchester8:21:16

HAPPY ENDING: Home, Safe n’ Sound: Found: Roaming Dog: Kentville, Kings Co., NS – Chihuahua, Male, Senior – “Unknown”

image

“Unknown”

HAPPY ENDING: Home, Safe n’ Sound! Yeah!! We thank all that cared. We thank the finder that got this dog into the care of Animal Control. Well done all! (5.29.16 – 5.30.16)

Breed/s:  Chihuahua

Sex: Male, Age: Senior

Collar:  No

Found on: 5.29.16

Area: Kentville, Kings, NS

Additional Info: MALE: Chihuahua, senior, black coat with grey mask, white tips on paws, not wearing a collar, ‘healthy and cared for lap dog’

Contact Info: Please cross post and if you have any information contact: Kentville Animal Control Officer at 902-670-0860

 

FREEZING RAIN WARNING: Be Prepared, Stay Safe

FREEZING RAIN WARNING: A long-lasting period of freezing rain resulting in ice accumulation is expected or occurring.

 

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BEFORE THE STORM:

ID Tag/Microchip: 

Have your dog’s updated ID tags on their collar and the collar on them at all times during a storm. We recommend having your cell phone on your dog’s tag and that you have a dog licence from your municipality. Also, have your dog microchipped and the information kept up-to-date with the chip company/vets.

Long Walk:

Take your dog for a long walk as you both may be housebound for a few days.

Food and Meds:

Make sure you have enough dog food and medications in stock for both you and your dog. They recommend at least 72 hours worth.

Winter Dog Gear:

Get out your dog coats/sweaters and boots because when your dog has to go, they have to go. People will be using a lot of salt with this ice build up, so be prepared with dog boots or ointments to reduce the risk to your dogs pads. Have towels ready to dry off your dog after being out in the storm.

Evacuation:

Prepare ahead of time and have a plan for your family and your pets incase you had to evacuate your home. You can find a great article on planning ahead for your pets safety during an evacuation here. And disaster preparedness for pets here.

Have toys ready for indoor play:

Stuff kong’s with your dogs food or special treats, use interactive toys where both you and your dog work together, have chew toys ready: Your dog will be anxious and active and you will need to burn some of that energy off while indoors.

Print a copy of this list:

You can find a copy of this list for printing here.

DURING THE STORM:

Only outside for bathroom breaks:

Limit the time you and your dog spend outside during the worst of the storm. Ice makes the streets and sidewalks dangerous and the storm itself may cause havoc. Don’t forget your own cleats for your boots as everywhere you step will be icy. (Information on hypothermia in dogs can be found here.)

Leashed when outside:

Please keep them on leash, even within a fenced yard during the storm. Winds, heavy ice build up, noise of salt trucks, falling branches, etc. All these things can cause your dog to bolt. A dog bolting from fear can leap high fences and/or run for long distances.

Power Outage:

Stay calm so your dog stays calm as well.

Don’t forget to keep your dog warm by providing them with blankets or sweaters.

Speak out if you see a pet left in the cold:

Call your local Animal Control or the Provincial SPCA Cruelty Investigations to report a dog left out in the cold. You could also try your local Police or RCMP. Contact Information listed by County for Nova Scotia can be found here: www.ns.lostdognetwork.com/contact-list/

AFTER THE STORM:

Before you let your dog out, check your yard:

Thoroughly check the yard after the storm for any open gates, broken fence sections, hanging or downed branches/trees, power lines down, downed live wires, etc.

Road Salts:

After a snow storm the sidewalks may be very icy and/or covered in road salt. “When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals (road salt) and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur.”*

___________________________

* AVMA Cold Weather Pet Safety: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Cold-weather-pet-safety.aspx

HAPPY ENDING: Home, Safe n’ Sound: Lost Dogs: Hemford, Luxemburg, NS — Beaster: Doberman, Male, 4 yrs & Lucky: Beagle, Female, Adult — “Beaster & Lucky”

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Beaster & Lucky

HAPPY ENDING: Home, Safe n’ Sound! Yeah!! We thank all that cared and shared. This adventurous duo made their way back home! (12.6.15 – 12.7.15)

Breed/Mix: Beaster: Doberman & Lucky: Beagle

Sex: Beaster: Male & Lucky: Female Age: Beaster: 4 yrs & Lucky: Adult

Collar/Tags: Beaster: Black nylon collar & Lucky: Red nylon collar

Lost on: 12.6.15 at 8:45am

Area:  Hemford, Lunenburg, NS

Additional Info: These two adventurers have been missing since 8:45 am this morning, please share so they get home safely.

Contact Info: 

 

HAPPY ENDING: Home, Safe n’ Sound: Found: Roaming Dog: Sydney, Cape Breton, NS — Yellow Lab/AmStaff Mix, Male, Puppy — “Unknown”

FNDLab:AmStaffMixMalePuppySydneyCapeBreton11:11:15

 

“Unknown”

HAPPY ENDING: Home, Safe n’ Sound! Yeah!! From his new Friend: “…thank you for all your help in posting him he is going home to his fur parents this morning.” And thanks to all who cared and shared his info… Yippee!! (11.11.15 – 11.12.15)

Breed/s: Yellow Lab/AmStaff Mix

Sex: Male, Age: Puppy (4 – 5 months)

Collar/Tags: Harness (as seen in photo), No leash

Found on: 11.11.15

Area: Sydney, Cape Breton, NS

Additional Info: This puppy (4 to 5 months old) was found outside The Cracker (Barrel) Convenience Store this evening (11.11.15) in Sydney, Cape Breton. He was found wearing the harness in the photo, but not the leash. Very sweet and friendly.

Contact: