It can be very distressing to see your dog suffering on firework’s night or during a thunder storm. Often they cannot sit still and the stress and anxiety they suffer can be very upsetting and worrying. So here are some tips on how to try and help and some recorded sounds that when used carefully at low volume in small stages, may help to desensitize your dog to these scary sounds.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE WITH THESE SOUNDS PLAYING AT ANY TIME.
WHEN PLAYING THE AUDIO ALWAYS KEEP A CAREFUL EYE ON THEM AND START AT LOW VOLUME, GUAGING THEIR REACTION.
When using the audio below – please start with just a few seconds at low volume – watching your dog(s) at all times. Do a little bit at a time, gradually increasing the volume, and if they are not scared by it give them a treat and praise them.
If it upsets them, stop immediately. Later on, try again at a lower volume, but if it still makes your dog anxious, stop. The idea is not to scare them but to try and get them used to the sounds. Remember it will take time, and it may not work.
Other things to try…
- A calming ‘Thundershirt’ https://www.thundershirt.co.uk/
- Keeps doors and windows shut, close the curtains and distract your dog with other non-threatening sounds and music – e.g. turn the tv on and up the volume
- Make sure they have a ‘safe place’ to retreat to – with water and treats – if that’s what they need to do, make it easy for them.
- It may not be helpful to try and cuddle your dog through a scary noise episode – distraction techniques and finding a quieter place might be more beneficial
- If concerned, consult your vet.
- If you have any tips to add please make them in the comments section below or email admin@pennypawsrescue.org.uk