KABOOM!!

It’s that time of year again! Loud, sudden noises and earth-shattering booms often result in stress - from mild to sheer panic - for our beloved pets. Of course, the fear that animals experience as a results from explosive fireworks is normal and meant to keep them alive. Anything that may appear similar in the wild - explosive bursts, big noises, sudden flashes or fire - SHOULD result in the fear and discomfort that sends animals safely in the other direction. The sudden boom flash of fireworks is not commonplace either, these explosions tend to appear only a couple times of year maybe, but in profusion. This type of novel stimulus is unusual, or not typical for the environment, so the default response is fear, as that is what keeps the individual surely out of harm’s way - even just in case.

Just like humans, pup experience a spectrum of emotions! A sudden explosion may result in a physiological response from your pup - startling, blood pressure spike, a release of cortisol - and there may be recovery time for the system to return to homeostasis. But if there is no recovery time for the nervous system, then homeostasis is not reached, so as the KABOOM of the fireworks continue, well-being may deteriorate and increased discomfort and fear is experienced.

In short, fireworks can be scary and momentous! Pups greatly benefit from prior coaching to help prepare them and avoid undue stress. Through certain games and exercises, with the magic of Classical Conditioning, pet parents can make a huge difference in their animals’ behavior and emotional well-being. Educating a pup at any age, with science-based learning techniques provides invaluable brain drain, bonding time, and improves behavior as well as overall well-being. It may take repetition to teach your animal companion to feel safe during really loud, intense explosions, so it is best to start early, well in advance of any major fireworks displays.

With the use of positive training exercises, even if your pet experiences fear during these celebratory times, you can greatly reduce the negative emotional impact, and length of recovery time created by these scary events.

Improve your pup’s 4th of July with these tips!

Use counter conditioning. Change your pup’s emotional response to fireworks! For example, fireworks predict very good things, like praise and tasty treats - every time!

Use desensitization. Acclimate your pup to the noise of fireworks! Start at a very low intensity, and build up slowly, at your pup’s pace. For example, play a quiet recording of the stimulus (fireworks) while your pup enjoys breakfast!

Take the edge off. Lavender essential oil, DAP, flower essences, and arnica can all help to soothe pup and shorten potential recovery time! Beware that sedatives will not reduce anxiety, and may increase distress as your pet feels trapped in an unresponsive body.

Be Supportive. Support your pet during this traumatic time with extra TLC! Create a cozy zone for them to rest or hide out, use soothing music or frequencies tones in your environment, and schedule an in-home Reiki session or canine massage!

And lastly, don’t forget to….

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES! Unfortunately, Independence Day is the number one occasion pups end up in the shelter! Many pets run away or get lost after bolting from sheer panic. A sudden increase in shelter population puts more pups at risk for euthanasia as capacity is diminished. Do your part! Secure your pup and ensure their safety. Scan the perimeter of your home and use supervision to maintain the whereabouts of your pup. Avoid walking at night around the holiday to prevent unfortunate accidents with your pup, and use training games as fun walk replacements as needed. Alternatively, if you are considering rescuing an animal, July and January are great months to help relieve the local shelter of homeless pets.

Hire a positive professional to prepare you and pup! Get in touch with Competent Pup for more info on fireworks pup preparation.