Fireworks

Lirin

There's been plenty of fireworks here. They don't worry my dogs at all, though I do try to keep them inside to prevent both barking or potential damage to their eardrums.
I took both mine outside when they were pups and fireworks were going off in the distance, sat them down, held them by the collar, and watched the fireworks for a while, stroking them and generally giving reassurance.
The collie isn't bothered at all, occasionally the lab will get angry, not at the sound, but the lights- she will jump and try pawing at the big lights in the sky.
With all the parades in NI, mine have been out at them plenty of times. Not because I care for the parades, just to acclimatise them to loud noises. They're not too bad now- they'll sit beside me most of the time off the lead.
The main problem we'd have with fireworks is some of the local idiots thinking it's fun to let them off at animals- I know the police were out last year, so I'd prefer to keep mine out of harm's way. Watched them a few nights ago daring eachther to hold fireworks for as long as possible- a variation of the chicken theme.

cloverfan

My poor dog is sitting at my feet shaking like a leaf because some idiot is letting off FIREWORKS:mad::mad::mad: its only begining of october:mad:

Is anyone elses pet afraid of them?? What do you do? he used to not like them too much but was ok iykwim, but this year is the first he's been on his own and hes really scared.

chris_n_tj

Hi clover many us here have the same problem. If you check out this thread you might mind some helpfiul tips.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2776850

Chris n TJ x

Mupette

I remember the first year Perry heard them, and fortunately he has the temperament that if he is scared he runs to me, so i spent the night cuddling him

thistledome

Mine has a mad barking session at fireworks. Last year I put his collar and lead on* and got some small treats and when he got fixated on the treats, I waited for a firework and if he didn't bark I gave him one. If he did bark I gave him a loud and quick "sshhh" noise and no treat. It wasn't a cure or anything, but it did lessen the barking a lot (his bark is LOUD) and also gave him something else to concentrate on instead of sitting there waiting for a firework.

He is an exceptionally greedy dog, though.

ETA: collar and lead so I can make him sit next to me, rather than do his "wall of death" type circuit of the lounge.

chris_n_tj

As this subject crops up every year could it be made a stciky please. There are so great tips that get forgotten. It would be great to just have them there at our fingertips so to speak. Just an idea.

Chris n TJ

cloverfan

thank you!

Youdontseeme

My mum used to add a few drops of Bachs Rescue Remedy to our lab's dinner it didn't work 100% but did stop him trying to hide in wardrobes!

I believe you can get them alcohol free especially for pets these days.

YDSM

tealady

Thanks Mupette for the reminder. I will prepare a cosy nest in a cupboard for my pets so they can have somewhere protected from the noise

dizziblonde

The cat's not bad with them - fireworks don't give cuddles or attention or food so don't feature on Planet Suki! They drive me nuts around here with them though - they'll be going from now till New Year pretty much relentlessly.

The two things that send the tripod cowering and running for cover are - the hoover, and my mother.