Is Your Dog Afraid of Fireworks and/or Thunder?

Why is that that some dogs really have a problem with fireworks and or thunder? I have wondered about this very issue especially since we just went through the 4th of July festivities. Dogs afraid of fireworks have been known to run for their life over this holiday and some dogs are lost forever or killed in traffic. Having had seven dogs of different breeds it has puzzled me as to why two of my dogs have had problems with fireworks or thunder, but five of them just behave as if nothing different is going on outside. One of my dogs used to shake uncontrollably and the other wanted to hide in a secure place.

In researching this problem I have found out that this is not necessarily an unusual problem reported to veterinarians. One of the better known reasons for the reaction to loud noises is that dogs have extremely sensitive hearing and so they react more acutely to loud bangs and crashes than do human beings. Also certain breeds are more predisposed to reactions to loud noises. And possibly in the early years of your dog's life your dog may have been frightened by an experience with loud noises and is reliving that anxiety each and every time there are fireworks of thunder. If your dog is a rescue then you do not have the puppy history to help you.

But why my dog and what can I do about it? Here are some short term things people have tried to help their pet through this problem:
- Keep your dog inside
- Keep your curtains closed so your pet cannot see flashes of light
- Try distraction techniques like
Playing with your dog
Sing songs
Exercise your dog and try to wear him out
Use squeaky toys to distract
- Crate your dog or move their bedding into a enclosed space like a closet. A dog who feels "safe" will be less anxious, and a "den" is the instinctual place for a dog to feel safe. It may help to cover your dog's crate with a blanket or sheet to create a den feeling.
- Create as much white noise as you can to block out the outside sounds
Fans
TV's
Radio
- Buy a snug Thunder Vest that fits your dog
- Put one of your T-shirts that fits the dogs chest tightly
- Talk to your a veterinarian about an over the counter sedative or a prescription like Ace or Valium

Since reactions to loud noises may have started in the early years of your dog - like during the puppy stage - the reaction can be eased with supportive treatment and can prevent the fear from developing at all.
It is not recommended that you coddle or pet your dog during fireworks or a thunder storm since these behaviors are associated as rewards during the training of your pet.

Long term solutions to storm and firework anxiety revolve around retraining your dog to associate loud noises with good things:
- Desensitizing games
- Desensitizing CD programs which you can play during happy times at low volume and begin to increase the volume as your pet shows signs of acceptance

This is a serious problem for your pet and hopefully this article has some possible solutions which will help. With a plan in place you can keep your pet happy, healthy and safe.