fireworks!!

[Mexican cuties]

we only have a small dog, 12 years old, doesnt seem to cower just runs around barking when the locals set off the loudest ones possible, thunder jacket helps a bit, but any one got any other tips, unfortunately this will probably be the norm until the new year,

[Jim on the hill]

A few things we have found over the years.

Close the windows
Crank up the TV or radio
Don't react
Don't look at the dog if a big one goes off to see their reaction, that just reaffirms there is something to be concerned about.

Basically try and ignore them, if you are comfortable more chance the dog is. Magbe give them something to chew or play with a toy during the displays?

I've read in the past to play the sounds of fireworks low during the weeks running up to it but never experimented with that.

[AndyAudi]

Chewing is supposed to chill them out apparently but starting before the fireworks.

[Hrimfaxi]

Mine has decided he doesn't like the fireworks either, he's only a year and half old - but last year he didn't bat an eyelid, this time he's all nervous and gets the shakes.

Like what's been said already - close the windows and crank up the telly, I try to keep him distracted with his toys, but our main problem is eating - if even one goes off in the distance he looses interest in his food for the night.

[garythesign]

Bach flower remedy.

I think Aspen is good, but also try rescue remedy.

[ctdctd]

Try making a confined den for the dog to retreat into - maybe a few familiar blankets in the bottom of an open cupboard or under the stairs.
Also, the the dog will tolerate it, a wrap round the head to cover the ears can help - a bikers snood for example.

[Mexican cuties]

thank you all, really helpful, we cant believe the difference from fireworks when we were kids, compared to fireworks people can get these days, sounded like Beirut last year!!

[BoggoStump]

Some people recommend a sock, cut the end off and double it over the dogs head/ears. Some say it works and some say it doesnt. worth a try.

(make sure the ears are nice and comfy aswell as the dogs hair)

[Mexican cuties]

got a thunder shirt, so when that was on, and while taking him out for a wee, large bang right above us, normally he would have lept around the garden barking into the air, but just carried on having his wee, so kept that on until bedtime along with putting into place the tips above, defo a difference thank god,

thank you

[vixen1700]

Cat was fine until a really loud bang then he just cowered under a table and is still petrified this morning under the sofa. It'll probably go on again tonight.

[HTP99]

Last night we ignored Barry when the fireworks were going off, he was still bothered by them but he was a lot better.

[Hrimfaxi]

HTP99 said:

Last night we ignored Barry when the fireworks were going off, he was still bothered by them but he was a lot better.

This - If you don't make a big deal out of the dog making a big deal, then hopefully they pick up on it. I tried this tactic last night and it works to some degree.

[Fastchas]

I grew up with 7 dogs in all over the years - never had a problem and we lived in a built up area with lots going off.
My manager always complains about fireworks upsetting her dog. The dog was PTS this year and she had another from a rescue kennel.
Funny enough, this new dog also has problems. I reckon she is transferring it to them.

[Brother D]

For 4th of July we put our rescue down into the equipment room in the basement and turned up the TV in the rooms either side of it (basically masked the fireworks as much as possible). She seems to have got worst with age...

Unfortunately we went out the day before, and after returning home and unable to find her (and a very emotional wife), she emerged from behind the TV to much relief.