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
