Dogs and fireworks / thunder / guns
Dogs don't like fireworks, sure, we all know that but reactions range from flinching to outright hysterics. Why?We know hunting dogs cope with the fairly hectic sound of rifles. We know, or know of, dogs that are so distressed by gunshots, fireworks, thunderstorms, that they can die of shock.
The whole of Granada province is starting fiestas to celebrate San Antonio and the vanquishing of El Moros by El Cristianos and my town is already rocked by occasional exuberant rifles, it will be pretty hectic over fiesta time. Although my dog used to get angry during Guy Fawkes and Hogmanay and rush out through the dog flap to bark furiously, here she is ignoring the occasional bang and if there is a fusillade she heads to her basket and is hopefully going to cope. She wasn't bothered by 2018 NY fireworks, now that I think back. She and the cat both watch me anxiously during thunderstorms but while I'm calm, they're calm.
Her change of home has brought a change of reaction, is what I'm saying, and it made me wonder why different dogs react so differently anyway.
Comments (41)
My nervous dog doesn't like loud noises, or anything unexpected, so isn't a great fan of bangers or fireworks. But I always keep her inside with me during them. She always looks to me for a reaction when one goes off, and I just tell her it is fine, and continue doing whatever I am doing. That usually calms her.
One a side note, but totally related, I once watched a documentary about a turkey farmer who had a similar problem. The turkeys didn't like fireworks and it used to affect their health.
Anyway, what he did was gradually introduce them to similar noises starting low and working his way up to firework level. Then when the fireworks did happen. the turkeys were calm and content.
The bangers they use for fiestas really do sound as if the world exploded and dogs around either bark indignantly for up to 20 minutes afterwards, or howl piteously for even longer. My dog charges for her basket and the cat flies upstairs while I mop up the coffee I spilled when I jumped
I don't think my dog is going to be too stressed, going on reactions so far, and I can't give her valium anyway - I asked the vet for some before the 2000 mile drive as she's not a great traveller and he said bulldogs suffocate too easily. As it turned out she loved the camper and slept 90% of the way without a problem. She's better in the car since too
My favourite dogs of all are staffies, but I had this dog almost forced on me because the rescue centre wanted someone who was used to bull breeds and wouldn't let the dog rule the house (as she had in her previous home
Yeah well.
I only get annoyed when the rockets are launched from the nearby bar, the sticks and debris land in my garden, still they are useful sticks.
They think it is funny not realizing that the sounds hurt the dogs ears
The other two could've cared less if the world had came to an end so to speak.
The dog was used to thunderstorms, but this one was different.
Not individual lightning bolts & thunderclaps, but continuous pulsating lightning & pounding thunder.
There was likely a tornado in it somewhere nearby.
Anyway.
The dog was at the door and hysterical in the extreme.
The friend opened the door to let him in, but Ole was unable to move - paralyzed in terror.
I got a towel and covered his eyes; he loosened up.
I then grabbed his collar & led him inside, where he immediately chilled out.
Something to keep in mind should such a situation arise.
Not in
KansasScotland anymore, Toto.Scooby is the wisest dog I ever met.
I agree with some of the comments...dogs will pick up the energy and emotions from their owners.
Not only must the owner stay and act calm...but also feel it.
When dealing with horses it's even more noticeable as they can feel your emotions as you get out of the car.
Horses sense and feel...and dogs smell someone who's nervous.
I used to have a really hot seat, any horse I got on danced all over the place quivering to go go go go (not swishing tail or putting ears back, just suddenly filled with vim and vigour) but yup, as you say, purely picking up on me. As I grew calmer (and less keen to risk being bounced on the ground) so did they
The newest and youngest puppy had turned out to be the one who was scared of his own shadow so to speak.
Yes I felt so sorry for our little Corky and he was such a good tempered dog too.Since he was the super scared one We all took him under our wings so to speak.
Yes Shih-tuzs don't shed either and are good for anyone who suffers from allergies to pet dander and stuff.
So that was fine. I wonder if I have changed as much as she has because of this move?