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50% dogs suffer from anxiety with Halloween fireworks

Monday 24 October 2022

There are approx 3.2 million dogs in Ireland. There's been a massive serge in dog ownership since Covid. 50% of dogs suffer from anxiety around fireworks.


There are approx 3.2 million dogs in Ireland. There's been a massive serge in dog ownership since Covid. 50% of dogs suffer from anxiety around fireworks.

Though they may seem fun to us, fireworks and loud noises can make your pooch feel confused or scared. So what can you do to help your dog stay confident, and allow your family to enjoy the fun of fireworks?

5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DOG CALM

1. Create a safe place or den for your dog
The perfect dog den should be placed wherever your pet spends most of their time. A bed or crate is often an ideal comfy hiding place - make sure your dog can retreat and relax there at all times without being disturbed, especially if they’re alone. You can spray Adaptil spray in their bed which gives out pheromone comfort messages to calm them. Plus in an Adaptil Diffuser beside their bed to provide reassurance.

2. Mask the noise
Closing curtains, windows, doors, and blinds will help your dog feel safe and secure, and hide any flashes of light that they may associate with scary noises. Playing music or the radio can also be soothing for your dog.

3. Keep your dog inside
If your dog doesn’t like fireworks noises, be sure to keep them indoors! Taking them out when there are fireworks around will only create stress and confusion, especially if they can’t find a safe place to hide. Instead, keep them inside to minimise the impact of loud bangs, and remember to keep doors, windows, and blinds closed to absorb the sound.

4. Stay with your dog
If you can, it’s best to be a friend to your dog and stay with them when there are fireworks outside. Dogs are social animals so your presence will help your pooch feel secure!

5. Desensitise your dog to loud noises
Never punish your dog for reacting to loud noises as this will make them feel more uneasy! If you want to desensitise your dog, noise soundtrack recordings can help adult pooches and puppies gradually get used to loud sounds. Increasing exposure slowly to these recordings is best, as this gradually familiarises them with surprise noises.

Of course, if your dog shows severe signs of anxiety and the above tips are not working, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Using ADAPTIL Calm Home Diffuser near your dog’s den can provide reassurance by sending “comforting messages.” You can also use ADAPTIL SPRAY on the dog bed 15 mins before any anticipated noises.

Following the above steps will help reduce doggy fear, so you won’t need to worry so much about your pooch on Halloween night!

Talk to your local Interchem Territory Manager for more information.

T: +353 (0)1 451 8959     F: +353 (0)1 4512540
info@interchem.ie

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