|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2007 18:20:47 GMT
The season of nightmares is upon us The poor Oscar dog is terrified. I tried sleeping pills last year to no avail. Any idea's Sara  |
|
|
|
Post by Susie Snowdrop on Oct 5, 2007 18:28:43 GMT
Oh Sara, I too am dreading it all. Jazz has never had experience of fireworks before but I just know for a fact that she is going to be terrified  I too would like some advice. Sorry I can't help Sara S x |
|
|
|
Post by MamIDdau on Oct 5, 2007 19:15:26 GMT
It's our first year with all our pets and fireworks. The rabbits were put into the garage of the last house facing a wall with a blanket over them last time but the cats and dog have never seen them to our knowledge.
This should be a fun experience eh?!
Luckily (!) we'll be back at ma and pa's by then and it's quite rural so there should only be the organised event in the village hall field and any others will be on the other side of the valley so shouldn't be too loud for them.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tig on Oct 5, 2007 22:59:57 GMT
This advice is for guide dog owners - so it may help www.guidedogs.org.uk/index.php?id=1931The stray cat who adopted us is always terrified and cannot stay in the house - I think she just needs to be free to run where she wants to - but that doesn't work for woofties. When I had dogs I found that they were OK if kept with us with the TV on and everyone stayed calm. Tig |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2007 23:14:32 GMT
There are several things you can do for pets that are frightened by the noise of fireworks or thunderstorms. I put on soothing music as loud as I can to drown out the noise. I let them stay near me, but I never baby them or talk to them in a baby talk kind of way as that only reinforces their fears. I always talk to them in a firm voice when they are frightened and I don't stroke or pet them, but I do 'pat' them with a firm hand on the side of their chest for reassurance.
Having them tired from a long walk before the fireworks helps them to be less anxious too. So if you know there will be lots of noise or a thunderstorm, try a long walk or some vigorous exercise to tire them out. I have also used 'Rescue Remedy' from the Bach Flower Essences. Just a few drops on the inside flap of each ear an hour before the noise starts is best. It's best to have a safe place for them to go, but best not to lock them in a crate or carrier as they can get frightened and hurt themselves. Allow them the freedom to leave the crate or carrier.
You can also try to desensitize them. You can't be tense and do this. If you can get a recording of the loud noise that frightens them you can start out with them in a quiet room with you and the volume on very, very low so the sound can barely be heard. You can talk to them in a firm voice with something like 'good dog' and be reassuring in your relaxed attitude. You are their pack leader and you are not afraid. Have a couple of treats and only have the music on for a couple of minutes the first time. You can do this again in a couple of days and each time start out with the volume on very low, making it a little louder. It doesn't work for every dog, but most will be helped.
Newt
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2007 10:55:22 GMT
Thanks for the advice so far, It would not be to bad if it was just one night but it is every night as soon as the fireworks are in the shops. Sara  |
|
|
|
Post by 4pygmies on Oct 6, 2007 17:52:01 GMT
I don't know why but my dog isn't bothered by fireworks at all and neither are my goats. I have a bonfire every year and get a box of child friendly fireworks. My dog is more upset at being shut indoors than being in the garden with us with sparklers and catherine wheels etc. And actually goats are soooo nosy that they are just desperate to see what's going on! I always make sure my cats are in very early for the firework season so I don't know if they would be scared or not - they're usually asleep.
I think Newt's advice is very sensible. It's such a shame the shops are allowed to sell such hellishly noisy bangers and rockets to anyone. I love fireworks but I don't think those should be on general sale.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2007 19:50:25 GMT
Sara, there are cd's you can purchase that already have the sounds on them. Just do a google with:
thunderstorm + cd
dog + thunderstorm
Newt
|
|
|
|
Post by snowowl on Oct 7, 2007 16:40:59 GMT
 This one here has a fit at the first sound of a firework.Its not just for 5th nov anymore it starts in a couple of weeks before and goes on a couple of weeks after then there new years eve. It realy is awfull for animals wether pets or wildlife. I draw the curtains and turn the tv up.But im sure they make fireworks more loud and scary nowdays. You have my sympathy. |
|
|
|
Post by Missredhead on Oct 7, 2007 17:01:20 GMT
Awwww he/she? is sooo cute SO
I love the little blue monkey toy ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by snowowl on Oct 7, 2007 17:38:02 GMT
He is a spoilt baby MRH thats one of his many toys.His name is Charlie and he will be 10 years old on the 1st december. He is terrified of fireworks.  |
|
|
|
Post by Missredhead on Oct 7, 2007 17:41:46 GMT
I still think he's cute....spoilt or not ;D
I've had 2 dogs, the first wasn't bothered by fireworks the second used to cower behind the sofa, so when firework night came round I used to take the kids to the displays and OH had to stay in and dog sit. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2007 18:21:35 GMT
Im lucky my cats are not bothered by fireworks, my guinea pigs are inside now for the winter and will not hear them with the doors shut, i hope.
I feel for animals at this time of year as they get frightened and dont know what to do with themselves.
Sorry i cant offer any advice.
|
|
|
|
Post by JennyWrenn on Oct 12, 2007 6:55:52 GMT
Oh /'snowowl what a cutie - I wanted to give him big kissy and can understand you spoiling him I have no experience of dogs being frightened by fireworks and cannot give any advice I have had Afghan Hounds most of my "doggy life" and none of them have been bothered In fact I sit by the window with Didi and we watch them together - the Yorkie isnt frightened but does bark at the bangs So far I havent heard any which is very unusual  I personally think it should be considered a crime to set them off before the day unless someones birthday I feel so so sorry for the wildlife |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2007 15:54:53 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Ruthie on Oct 19, 2007 19:54:20 GMT
Newt's advice is very good. However even that sort of treatment doesn't stop my dog turning into a nervous wreck when there are fireworks about.
You mustn't cuddle them or speak to them in a sympathetic way as this makes them think you are afraid too and therefore there is reason to be afraid!
My dog just goes behind the settee and cowers. I try to talk him out (firmly) but if he won't we just leave him too it. I do feel for him tho'.
Also we live in a very rural area but still get fireworks for a week or so either side.....perhaps you can just hear them better from a distanmce over the fields.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 6, 2007 8:21:54 GMT
Just to report that the collar has had some effect on Oscar and has been a lot calmer this year. Sara |
|
