With New Years Eve right around the corner, I thought these tips might be of use. A dog’s hearing is extremely sensitive, and noise anxiety can be a resounding problem. Cats may be startled by loud noises, but they don’t usually get panicky like dogs… If the Fourth of July fireworks, a thunderstorm or gun fire sends your dog under the bed, here are some recommended steps to help ease the anxiety.
-Give him his space: It’s normal for a frightened dog to crawl into small spaces -- under a bed or desk. If a dog finds a place that makes him feel calmer, don’t’ automatically try to pull him out.
-Create comfortable quarters: If he likes it under the bed, clear out some room so he can get under it with ease.
Calm him with a crate: Dogs tend to be less scared when they have a place to call their own. Cages and crates can act like dens in nature. Leave the door open, so he won’t feel trapped. Make it as comfortable as possible with a nice blanket and his favorite toy. But don’t force him in if he doesn’t want to go, because that will frighten him even more.
-Try a coverup: Putting a blanket or sheet over a petrified pooch will often have a calming effect. Just make sure the blanket isn’t covering the nose.
-Lay on the love: Whatever the noise, giving him an extra dose of attention will help calm his nerves. Don’t overdo though. This may encourage him to make a big deal out of being scared in the future.
-Dim the din: Sometimes just masking the fear-causing sound with another sound can help your dog relax. Try turning on the vacuum or air conditioner.
-Be calm yourself: It’s difficult to soothe a frightened pet if you are jumping out of your own skin.
-Ask about an Rx: When the fourth of July rolls around, vets commonly prescribe medications to help anxious pets get through the big booms.
-Or go the natural route: Before resorting to prescription drugs, you might want to try an OTC pet relaxant.
-Take a vacation: If your dog is fearful of the Fourth, maybe this is a good time to retreat to a remote, quiet area until the noise blows over. Your dog will surely appreciate it.
-Give him his space: It’s normal for a frightened dog to crawl into small spaces -- under a bed or desk. If a dog finds a place that makes him feel calmer, don’t’ automatically try to pull him out.
-Create comfortable quarters: If he likes it under the bed, clear out some room so he can get under it with ease.
Calm him with a crate: Dogs tend to be less scared when they have a place to call their own. Cages and crates can act like dens in nature. Leave the door open, so he won’t feel trapped. Make it as comfortable as possible with a nice blanket and his favorite toy. But don’t force him in if he doesn’t want to go, because that will frighten him even more.
-Try a coverup: Putting a blanket or sheet over a petrified pooch will often have a calming effect. Just make sure the blanket isn’t covering the nose.
-Lay on the love: Whatever the noise, giving him an extra dose of attention will help calm his nerves. Don’t overdo though. This may encourage him to make a big deal out of being scared in the future.
-Dim the din: Sometimes just masking the fear-causing sound with another sound can help your dog relax. Try turning on the vacuum or air conditioner.
-Be calm yourself: It’s difficult to soothe a frightened pet if you are jumping out of your own skin.
-Ask about an Rx: When the fourth of July rolls around, vets commonly prescribe medications to help anxious pets get through the big booms.
-Or go the natural route: Before resorting to prescription drugs, you might want to try an OTC pet relaxant.
-Take a vacation: If your dog is fearful of the Fourth, maybe this is a good time to retreat to a remote, quiet area until the noise blows over. Your dog will surely appreciate it.
*These tips are home remedies only and should not ever be used as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your veterinarian. If your pet has a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical care.
Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com
2 comments:
This is so true! I had this lovely vision of putting a sheet over a cat or dog....and watching it creep around the house lie that! Ha...so funny to imagine.
Good info though....poor pets who can't wait for all the New Year bang to be done!
Very good information! After the first couple of years, Velvet seems to be ok with loud noises. She looks quizzical, but doesn't freak out like she use to. She has sensitive ears anyway and barks whenever a noise bothers her.
Post a Comment