Top 10 Tips for Firework Phobias
1. Start preparations early; don’t wait for your pet to become distressed. It is easier to keep an animal happy than to calm him when stressed.
2. Close curtains, put the lights on, turn the television up or play music to disguise noises and flashes.
3. Don’t over-sympathise with your pet as he is likely to perceive this as approval of his fearful behaviour.
4. Provide a “den” or safe place for the dogs to hide. This might be his crate, your bedroom or even the car.
5. Engage him in energetic exercises throughout the day so that he is physically tired and more likely to sleep through the evening.
6. Stuffed Kong toys or chews can be a useful distraction.
7. The homeopathic remedy Anxiety will help your pet stay calm and relaxed.
8. Be calm yourself. Pets (particularly dogs) look to their owner for direction; if you are stressed he is more likely to be stressed.
9. Try to maintain your usual routine as familiarity will improve a dog’s confidence.
10. Work on a behaviour modification programme for your dog so that next year he can cope even better!