Your dog and fireworks.

All throughout the year, everyone likes to celebrate with fireworks but coming up to New Year's we all know it can't be avoided.  Unfortunately for our pets, especially dogs and horses, this can be a terrifying times for them. The best thing for you to do is be aware and prepared. If you know there are going to fireworks, try your best to stay home. Earlier in the day, take your mate for a nice long walk, burn as much energy as you can and feed him a few hours later. A well fed and tired dog is going be a lot more relaxing during the night for you. Once your dog begins to fret, don't sooth or comfort him. Doing this to a scared dog only increases the problem, you are showing them that there is something to be scared of and if they continue to react this way they are going to be rewarded with attention from you. Instead, be in control and up beat. Create a comfortable hiding place and distract your dog with games, food and even putting some music on. Try and encourage calm behaviour with praise and attention. Surround them with their favourite toys in a room  inside they are familiar with. Bones and chewable toys are ideal as a distraction and should take up some time while they enjoy. Continue this up beat, positive behaviour from the second they start fretting and for a while after they have settled and the noise has stopped. If your dog settles and the noise stops don't just walk away and ignore your pet. Sometimes bringing your dog inside isn't an option so you should look at possibly a carrier or even in the garage of shed, cover all windows. Dogs try and run and get away when frightened, especially during fireworks as the sounds are coming from all directions, so restraining them with a choker chain or lead should never be done, this can end in a horrible result! Always make sure your dog is identifiable with tags and microchip in case they do happen to get out. It is possible that dogs can be desensitised from being scared of fireworks and loud noises, remembering not all dogs are. Some dogs are at the opposite end of the scale and have a phobia of fireworks. In these cases, some dogs can be so frightened that it seems nothing will calm them down. In these cases, your vet should be consulted. 
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