Ease Fireworks Stress In Dogs
Calming Dogs With Fear of Fireworks
It is happening with far too many dogs. And it can begin this year, even if it’s never happened before.
I often wonder why we’re finding dogs in this state of panic and anxiety because it’s storming outside. Now, I can remember my grandmother hiding under the covers, but the dogs on the farm never seemed to be hindered by the storm. If I could answer what’s happening in today’s world, and solve this problem for everyone — I would!
But there are some actions we can take and I have seen it work time and time again, with one of my own dogs who somehow developed a fear of storms — and many fosters & client dogs over the years.
Action Plan For Known firework Stress:
Desensitization: I start with low-level sounds of storms playing on the tv or laptop throughout the day. Almost non-stop, at barely a volume you and I can hear. Every 3-4 days I increase the volume. After about a week, I start making a few short loud bursts of sound. Just a few seconds. And offer an extremely high-value food reward. We can't simulate the atmospheric pressure, but we can desensitize to sound. If your dog is extremely fearful, I would get the essential oils and/or supplement protocol in place during this process too.
GamePlay:
Start working on a new "game" -- even if it's just practicing quick drills of basic obedience -- but some engagement activity with you, offering high-value food reward and lots of enthusiasm to keep them engaged.
After the game is learned, begin ONLY playing that game when the desensitization music is playing loudly and eventually when the storm occurs.
Supplements :
Cortistop: cortisol levels have been shown to increase as much as 200% to just an audio recording for fireworks and storms. Cortistop helps the body minimize the production of the stress hormone cortisol for those with extreme storm and noise phobias. It may be considered wise to use this product 1-2 days in advance. Order yours from Young Living!
SleepEssense from Young Living is a mix of lavender, cedarwood, valerian and melatonin. It helps bring the edge off the dog without knocking them out (it's a human grade supplement originated for people -- but it works for the dogs too!) $26.50
CBD is another option to consider. But I often find it takes a bit of ramping to reach an amount that helps calm through the storm. Young Living has an excellent brand if you decide to try CBD (Note -- about 85% of what's sold on the public market today is not what it claims to be and may include no CBD at all -- many people find disappointment in CBD products due to poor quality.)
Super B -- I add this as a daily supplement if there are dogs who have more generalized stress or anxiety.
Essential Oils
I also introduce essential oils to dogs who struggle with stress. There are several that come to mind to choose from or blend. They can be used topically or in a diffuser! Start using your calming oils early in the day and repeat the process as you approach the time the nonsense begins
Valor -- my favorite for needing courage and bravery
Stress Away or Peace & Calming
Cedarwood -- grounding
T-Away -- to help those dogs who have been through some level of trauma/fear that has imprinted into patterns of behavior
See information on introducing & imprinting essential oils as you want to do this several times with no storms in sight!
Visit: https://www.myyl.com/danabrigman#ewm/fireworks-storms - and take a look at getting started with a basic starter kit + a choice of these options!
Your Own Energy
Your dog takes cues from you. If you run the pattern of your own anxious behaviors, you can put them in that state inadvertently. Stay Calm, Stay confident, and don’t get into a state of stress with them. We hate seeing our dogs get upset. We want to yell at the neighbors, some of you do! Escalating your own frustration doesn’t help. And it adds fuel to your dog’s responses. When fireworks start at my house — the beef liver treats or frozen kongs or meaty bones come out! Now some dogs will be too stressed to take them — but I’m going to work on doing something that engages the nose, the senses, and show them I’m not worried!
Friends this is doable. You don’t have to get in the bathtub with your dog and you don’t have to see them get really emotional and go through all that drama.
But it does take effort. It takes you putting in some work for a couple of weeks in advance and working through the first few storms real-time with exercises, essential oils, & high-value foods. Commit to doing it and you’re dog will thank you.
No More Fireworks Stress. No More Firework Panic.
Safety Protocols
Stay Inside with your dog.
Leash Your Dog for any outing, even a potty break, even if you have a fenced-in yard.
Secure collars, or harnesses fitted properly that they cannot back out of.
Ensure your mobile number is on an ID tag
Update your microchip contact information today.
What If You Have Waited Too Late This Year?
If you know your neighbors are likely to shoot off fireworks, prepare your dog in advance. Consider some advance actions:
A long walk, exercise, gameplay, teach something new in the hours before dark sets in so that your dog will be tired & emotionally fulfilled.
Consider Herbsmith July 3rd
Chamomile tea in the water all-day, maybe even the day before!
Rescue Remedy - before the fireworks start
Melatonin — before the fireworks start
Have some Rescue Remedy on hand (it should always be part of your first aid kit)
Of course, in my opinion, essential oils work the best especially when paired with behavior modification exercises —but I’d rather you have any supportive resources on hand than to do nothing.
CBD
Play music in your home at a relative high level.
Get Started With Young Living | Member # 2841061 | First Step to Healthy, Happy, Thriving Dogs! Call Me I will help you!!!
See my affiliate links for ordering; https://welloiledk9.com/affiliate-links
Same protocols can be used for storms