Dogs love being a part of special occasions and holidays, whether it’s Canada Day or Independence Day. The patriotic bandana wrapped around their neck, the wagging tail in anticipation of a car ride or walk to see the fireworks – they love it all.
Sin embargo, para algunos perros, el sonido de los fuegos artificiales puede ser aterrador. De hecho, los datos de RSPCA muestran que más de 45% de perros muestran algún tipo de miedo o ansiedad durante la temporada de fuegos artificiales.
If your doggo is one of them, don’t despair. There are things you can do to help your furry friend feel calm and safe during fireworks displays. Read on to learn how to calm your dog during fireworks.
Cómo calmar a tu perro durante los fuegos artificiales: 7 consejos
1. Mantenga a su perro adentro durante los fuegos artificiales
If your dog is fearful of fireworks, it’s best to keep them indoors during displays. This will help minimize their exposure to the noise and bright lights. Make sure that they have a safe and comfortable place to hide, such as under a bed or in a crate. You can also provide them with some soothing music or a TV show to watch to distract them from the noise outside.
If keeping your dog indoors isn’t possible or if they become agitated when cooped up, consider using a ThunderShirt or other type of anxiety vest. These vests apply pressure to the dog’s body which has been found to be calming.
2. Create A ‘Safe Haven’ Inside Your Home For Your Dog
Crear un refugio seguro para su perro durante los fuegos artificiales es fácil. Todo lo que necesita es una caja, algunas mantas suaves, los juguetes favoritos de su perro y algunas golosinas.
If your dog is comfortable in a crate, put them in it inside of a room where the fireworks will be least loud – such as a bathroom or bedroom. Make sure to provide them with some soft blankets to snuggle up in, along with some of their favourite toys and treats. This will help them feel safe and comfortable during the fireworks display.
If your dog isn’t comfortable in a crate, put them in a room where they can’t see or hear the fireworks. Again, make sure to provide them with plenty of soft blankets, toys, and treats.
Remember that it’s important to stay calm yourself during firework displays. Dogs can pick up on our emotions, and if we’re anxious, they’ll be more anxious too. So try to relax and enjoy the show – your dog will appreciate it!
3. Juega un poco de ruido blanco
Hace tiempo que se sabe que el ruido blanco es una herramienta útil para calmar a los perros en situaciones estresantes. Esto incluye cosas como tormentas eléctricas, paseos en automóvil y, por supuesto, fuegos artificiales.
There are a few different ways that you can play white noise for your dog during fireworks. The easiest is to download a white noise app to your smartphone or tablet. There are lots of free apps available, and most have a variety of sound options to choose from. Simply play the noise at a low volume and keep the device close to your dog’s ears.
If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet, you can also purchase a white noise machine specifically for dogs. These machines typically come with a variety of animal noises – such as rainforest sounds, thunderstorms, and ocean waves – that can help soothe your dog. They’re also small and portable so you can take them with you wherever you go.
4. Pasea a tu perro antes de que comiencen los fuegos artificiales
If possible, take your dog for a walk before the fireworks start. This will help tire them out and make them more likely to sleep through the noise. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your dog and give them some extra attention.
If you can’t walk your dog before the fireworks start, try to walk them as soon after the display is over as possible. This will help dissipate any residual anxiety they may be feeling.
Never go for a walk during a fireworks display – this will only make your dog more anxious and possibly put them in danger.
5. Dale a tu perro algunas golosinas relajantes
Hay una variedad de golosinas calmantes disponibles para perros que pueden ayudar a aliviar su ansiedad durante situaciones estresantes como los fuegos artificiales. Estas golosinas suelen contener ingredientes como manzanilla, L-triptófano o aceite de CBD, que han demostrado ser efectivos para reducir la ansiedad.
Calming treats are a great way to help your dog relax during fireworks, but they should only be given as a supplement to other methods – such as providing a safe haven and playing white noise. This is because they typically take around 30 minutes to take effect, so they won’t do much to help if your dog is already panicked.
6. Asegúrese de que su perro tenga un microchip
If you’re worried about your dog getting scared and running off during fireworks, make sure they’re microchipped. This will help ensure that they can be returned to you if they do run away.
It’s also a good idea to keep your dog on a leash during firework displays – even if they’re microchipped. This will help prevent them from getting lost in the first place.
Microchipping is also a legal requirement in many countries and states, so it’s something you should do anyway.
7. Entrenamiento de desensibilización
If your dog is particularly anxious during fireworks, you may want to consider desensitization training. This involves exposing your dog to the noise of fireworks in a controlled setting – such as through a CD or app – and slowly increasing the volume over time.
The goal of desensitization training is to help your dog become accustomed to the noise of fireworks, so they’re less afraid when they hear it in real life. It’s important to note that this type of training should only be done with the guidance of a qualified behaviourist or trainer.
Pensamientos finales
Ahora que sabe cómo calmar a su perro durante los fuegos artificiales, puede ayudar a mantenerlo seguro y relajado durante esta temporada navideña. Si su perro muestra signos de ansiedad, asegúrese de consultar con su veterinario para descartar cualquier condición de salud subyacente.
Con un poco de preparación y paciencia, puedes ayudar a que este Día de la Independencia sea una experiencia divertida y sin estrés para todos, incluido tu amigo peludo.