The times for Yuletide cheers and celebrations are coming right up our noses! There will be a whole lot of family gatherings, a whole lot of dinners, and a whole lot of noise. Fireworks became a traditional way of celebrating New Year’s Day. It wouldn’t be complete without the shine in the sky, and it wouldn’t be complete without all of our family members by our side.
But there’s an issue. Your dog tends to be a coward and hides under a table where he’ll feel safe and comfortable.
Here are some ways to comfort and calm your dog when the celebrations kick in and the fireworks display starts.
Hug him when he starts to whimper and shower with love and affection
Just like a child needs comfort when afraid or fearful of something, dogs also need that attention. When he starts to panic upon hearing fireworks, could you give him a tight and comforting hug? He doesn’t have to face his fears alone. When you create a loving atmosphere for him to retreat on, he’ll grow less scared of it in no time.
Play some music to kick in
To mask the loud sound fireworks make, you can play music for him to listen to. For this to be effective, you can let him stay in a room with his toys and play some of his favorite tunes. You can research some of the best tracks a dog can listen to for him to enjoy.
Buy him an Anxiety Wrap or Thundershirt
You can look for this one in dog stores or legitimate shops online. When worn, the thundershirt applies gentle pressure to specific pressure points in a dog’s body to immediately calm him down and provide instant comfort. Not only does a thundershirt serve this kind of purpose, but others as well. Pet owners also purchase this to soothe a frightened dog.
Diverting his attention
Dogs can get easily distracted. You’ll notice this behavior when talking to him on an afternoon walk, and he hears rustling in the bush. He’ll direct his attention to the distraction. You can use this to calm him down when fireworks fly in the sky. Play with his favorite tug toy or let him chew on a tasty bone to distract him from what’s happening outside.
When he’s focused on playing, he’ll never know that fireworks are already exploding at night.
Provide him with his own safe corner
Notice how your dog runs on a specific corner of the house for an immediate retreat. You can set this area up like his own “emergency room” when he’s too afraid of hearing the fireworks. Everything that provides him happiness, comfort, and solace should be in that room.
Place his favorite toys, set up a comfortable bed with his favorite blanket, and play soothing music while he’s in it. Remember, don’t force your dog into doing something when he’s afraid, angry, or stressed. Always remember that love and understanding should also be given to your dogs.
