Does My Dog Have Noise Anxiety?

Fireworks are let off left, right and centre with no care for our pets. It used to be just a one night a year, it has now become an event that goes on until the new year!

You know your dog is scared but have you ever done a questionnaire to find out how scared your dog really is?

Jon Bowen and Jaume Fatjo, both specialists in behaviour have created a survey on Sound Sensitivity. Once completed it will tell you how severe your dog's problem really is you can then read on for our top tips on how to help them cope.

HELPING YOUR DOG COPE DURING FIREWORKS

You know your dog is scared of fireworks...so what can you do to help?

1. Build a den sensitive dogs may enjoy the calm feeling of being able to go somewhere small and dark. Cover a table or crate with blankets, leaving only a small entrance hole so they can go underneath or inside. Put this behind the furniture or under the stairs, or somewhere where your dog would naturally go when afraid. Teach them to use it in advance by encouraging them to go there to rest and often putting chews and tasty treats in there for them to find.
2. Pheromone support- plug in an ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser which will diffuse a comforting pheromone into the room to promote a feeling of safety that your dog will really appreciate.
3. Keep them away from the 'bang': Keep your dog inside when it goes dark. Walk them earlier in the day while it is still light.
   1. Close all curtains, windows and doors.
   2. Turn on the radio/TV loud enough to mask the noise.
   3. Create a 'happy' atmosphere by being relaxed, playing games, offering treats and avoiding getting cross with your dog.
4. Stay around- try not to leave your dog home alone this will only increase their feeling of unease.
5. Walk them earlier- you are much less likely to be around any surprise fireworks
6. Be supportive if your dog gets worried by a bang and comes to you for support, offer genuine affection without being too sympathetic. Keep the mood light and be fun and light-hearted rather than showing too much concern that may communicate that you are worried too.
7. Ensure they are microchipped and wearing a tag- in case they escape from the house or run off on a walk.

Watch this testimonial all about Finley and his fear of Fireworks and how ADAPTIL helped:

If your dog's fear of fireworks is worsening they will need a long-term behaviour modification plan. This should be carried out with the advice and support of a qualified animal behaviourist.