Monday, December 31, 2012

Celebrations that Bother Dogs

Midnight is not an unusual hour for me to see; I've been a night owl since college, the first time it was really possible and permissible for me to do so. Back in high school, there were times in the summer I stayed up later writing, but not often. Now, it's odd if I'm in bed before midnight. I must say, though, the fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve tend to startle me. We celebrate midnight now? Oh, that's right. Auld lang syne.

If fireworks startle me, though, how do dogs feel about them?




My dog, blessedly, doesn't mind fireworks. Elka calls my attention to them, certainly. She'll go to the front door, or a window, and then come to me and grumble. She wants me to pay attention to the fact that Something is Happening, and because she can't figure it out, it's up to me. I typically go look, and then tell her leave it. We can't see them from our house, so it's a matter that's dropped in fairly short order. If she continues to concentrate on the noises, we do some trick work to get her concentrated on the fact that she's home, she's fine, and that noise out there is not her problem.



Some dogs get really freaked by fireworks, though. It's a loud, abrupt noise with a fairly dangerous smell as well. We don't live close enough to the launch site that I can smell the fireworks, but I'm pretty sure Elka can. If a dog's owners are silly enough to bring him or her to the fireworks, there's the addition of the flashing light show, the press of the crowd, and sometimes also sirens. Just to make sure everything is a psychedelic terror trip. It's probably more of a Fourth of July thing than a New Year's Eve thing (though my town does have a First Night), but you do hear about dogs breaking away from their people at such displays.

So, exercise caution. Don't bring your dog to the fireworks. If you're having a party at home, make sure the dog has a safe place to be, and make sure your visitors are careful about open doors (among other things, like verboten foods and beverages).

I haven't used one myself, but you've probably heard of the Thundershirt by now. It's a non chemical dog anxiety treatment, exerting "constant, gentle pressure" on the dog for its calming effect. Kind of the same principle as Temple Grandin's hug machine, in a far more portable sense. I've read peoples' success stories in using Thundershirts for travel, for thunderstorms, and for the Fourth of July. If it's too late to order one, or the price tag seems like too much, there's also the option to use an ace bandage for an anxiety wrap (talked about here on The Peaceful Dog in conjunction with T Touch).


15 comments:

  1. I'm afraid I'm one of those silly owners LOL. Years back, we brought Jordan and Rufus to watch the NYE fireworks, ONLY BECAUSE WE KNEW THEY WOULD BE CALM! They were interested for 2 minutes, then feel asleep. Surprised everyone else there too. Otherwise, totally keep the dog indoors. A good cuddle goes a long way ;)

    Happy new year Jen and Elka! X

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    1. Some people are lucky enough to have fireworks proof dogs! It's really great that yours are. Elka definitely wants to go outside and watch, whether it's fireworks or a thunderstorm. It's neat that they fell asleep ;)

      Happy New Year!

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  2. Oh, it will be a long nite here in Florida where it is legal to blast these things. We use the Thundershirt, which is good for thunder, this is the first year to use it for fireworks. She is so scared of them. I have a walk in closet that now houses a large memory bed. That's where I will be, with my girl. I just rest my head on her bed and sing to her and will do something on my ipad. She just wants to hide from it.

    It's funny. On all other days she provides me independence as my Service Dog, but I haven't gone out for New Years in 6+ years so I can be with her. Wouldn't want it any other way, and she has kept me safe on those nights too....who needs to be on the road driving after everyone dares to drink and drive. not me....just give me my water, some palatable food with Heinz ketchup and my chocolate lab and I have the best date in town.

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    1. Oh, I hope your Thundershirt helps her out for the fireworks as well!

      That is an interesting reversal, and so sweet that you can give back to her in that way! They're such a gift to us, regardless of what they need in return.

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  3. I don't like fireworks and I hope there is not so much boom and bang here... Have a wonderful New Year ;o)

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  4. I've always wondered why we celebrate the birth of a new year and the birth of our nation by making loud noises. I guess there is a lot about human customs that make no sense to dogs or humans either.

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    1. Maybe it's one of those primal things...loud noises keep monsters/bad spirits away? Who knows? It's definitely true that we're confusing to dogs!

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  5. We celebrate NY New Years here in California cause mom will be sleeping otherwise, BOL
    Snorts,
    Benny & Lily

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    1. Hey, early New Years is better than none at all! Not everybody is a night owl.

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  6. I don't mind fireworks. When I was a pup, Ma took me outside in the backyard, where you could REALLY hear and see em' go off in the neighborhood. She had a hand full of treats and told me I was a good girl every time one went bang and gave me a treatie. It worked, I bark sometimes at the loud ones, butts nah, they don't bother me.
    Have a great New Years!!!
    Kisses,
    Ruby

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    1. Sounds like your Ma is pretty smart, Ruby! I'm glad that fireworks don't bother you.

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  7. Torrey hates fireworks, thankfully, I don't think we will hear any. Happy New Year!!

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  8. Great advice. Shyla has serious issues with loud noises but, fortunately, we can't hear fireworks from here.

    The Thundershirt really works! We use one for all stressful events in Shyla's life, not just loud noises. E.g., she always wears one to go to the vet, and she wears one when we're going to a busy part of town that might scare her.

    So, thanks for getting the word out. I didn't know about them until my trainer suggested them.

    Happy New Year!

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  9. Our dogs are really bothered by fireworks either. They notice them but usually pay them no mind. Happy New Year to you!

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