15 Tips to take care of your dog at fireworks

The fear of fireworks is a very common phobia in dogs. Here in Brazil, in most states, it is very common to set off fireworks. And it’s not just on New Year’s Eve that they suffer. For many people, any celebration is a reason to burst fireworks and set off fireworks. After the New Year’s Eve party, many people already know that Carnival is coming soon and their friend will suffer from the noise of the explosions again. And even the most confident and balanced dog can be startled and scared.

O Incredible.club comes to bring you some tips for you to be prepared, prevent yourself and take care of your beautiful pet in these moments.

Some cities in Brazil are already adopting this posture. However, Campos do Jordão (SP) and Poços de Caldas (MG) took more steps. Recently, the two cities passed laws banning the burning of fireworks with explosions.

The law provides for fines ranging from BRL 952.66 for individuals to BRL 2,256.30 for companies. Its objective is to respect the elderly, children, people with psychological disorders who may suffer from sounds, as well as animals sensitive to noise. Noise can damage both domestic and wild animals. Birds, for example, are among the hardest hit;

At the awesome.club, we would like animals and people who suffer from this type of noise to be respected. But, as we know that this must take time to happen, we bring you some tips to help your friend deal with fireworks better.

The method known as TTouch aims to eliminate the animal’s stress and possible anxiety. Its inventor, Canadian Linda Tellington-Jones, sought to achieve relaxation in animals through body language and contact. In this way it is possible to eliminate phobias and fears that the pet may have. It is necessary that the environment is relaxed, peaceful, even with background music, so that the animal releases its stress. The method is based on lashings made at specific points on the animal’s body and in order to provide a smooth contact to your friend.

Material needed:

How to make:

Position the band at chest height Cross upwards over the back (in an “X” shape) Cross downwards over the back Cross upwards again Tie the knot close to the spine (does not need to be exactly on top of the spine as it is uncomfortable for the dog).

Tips

Make the first lashing in the morning Throughout the day, alternate 5 minutes of lashing with 30 minutes of rest. Associate this moment with affection, massage and tranquility.

In places where fireworks are released and more or less frequent, it is important to accustom the animals to the sounds of fireworks and other artifacts. So when there are these celebrations, they won’t suffer so much. On digital platforms there are several videos of fireworks. It is important that your friend hear these sounds to get used to it. We’ll show you how next.

3. Put the video for him to hear

Put the video on for your dog to hear at the lowest volume possible a few times a day. The volume needs to be almost imperceptible. If possible, put it on during some activity, for example, while you are watching the soap opera, or taking a shower.

You can make the association with snacks, favorite toys, grooming, brushing, all the practices you know your dog loves the most. This way you will associate this noise with positive things for your dog.

As you go through this process, gradually increase the volume. Every day you increase a little bit; but also don’t forget to continue making the associations. So, little by little, he will understand that the sound of fireworks is equivalent to something good. At least in his head.

It can happen that you get excited about evolution and end up overdoing it. But if you feel he’s shown any signs of fear, turn the volume down until you feel comfortable and he’s calmed down. So stay at that volume until you realize it’s time to turn it up.

Many people end up pampering and welcoming their dogs when they show they are scared. Caring more and giving more attention than usual, instead of helping, ends up reinforcing the fear in the dog. He associates affection with fear.

It is important that you yourself do not react to the noise of the fireworks. If you show readiness just before the fireworks, out of fear of your dog, it won’t help. On the contrary: it will make what he feels worse. That’s because your body language tells your dog that he needs to be scared, and so, he will be anxious.

As there is now no more time to train him, you just have to make him go through that moment. So do your best to mask the noise. Turn on some music, the TV, close the doors and windows, cover them with cloths, turn on the fan.

Never force your little friend. If he wants to hide, let him. If you make him do something he doesn’t want to do, it can increase his fear and make him aggressive.