Taking my dog to city fireworks: Is it safe? What should I do?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Do they have noise phobias? Meaning do they care when fireworks are set off. If they don't care, I don't see why their routine has to change. My dog could care less about fireworks or thunderstorms so we let him out (fenced yard). As long as your dogs aren't roaming out of the yard and aren't scared of fireworks I would keep things the same. If they are scared then do not let them outside at dusk when fireworks tend to be set off, especially alone. Keep them indoors with the TV AND radio on in the most insulated sound proof area of your home and talk to your Vet about medicating them BEFORE fireworks are set off. I wish you all the best!

Slowly reacclimate him to going outside again. Use treats as rewards and bribes. If he is a small dog, carry him outside for ever increasing periods of time. Calming pheromone collars or sprays may be effective. Compression shirts such as the ThunderShirt may help as well.

Poor Diesel! Fireworks and loud noises can be really scary for dogs. One important thing to do to when your dog acts scared is not to reassure him. We think we are comforting him when we do that, but it's actually reinforcing the behavior and telling him it's ok to be scared. I recommend getting him a thundershirt to wear when there are fireworks or loud noises. These have been reported to help dogs with anxiety. At home, you can put him in a dark quiet room by himself to self-soothe. You can also turn on the TV or music to block out the sound. Finally, you can consider get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety.

Poor Bella! She was probably really frightened by the fireworks. She is probably still anxious that there will be more of those loud sounds. I would monitor her for now. She hopefully should return to her normal self in a day or two. I'd let her sleep, as she probably didn't get much sleep last night. In the meantime, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety. If she isn't back to her normal self in a day or two, I'd take her into your vet for a health exam.

This is an excellent question! In general, if the air is polluted enough to cause difficulties for humans, then it may irritate dogs' respiratory systems as well, so it is best to keep Tobi's walks short (and make sure he is on a leash) until the air is clear. You can wipe Tobi's face down when you bring him back inside to reduce the amount of irritants on his face, but most dogs do not tolerate masks well, so putting a mask on him might irritate him. I don't recommend trying it as it could obstruct his breathing. It is a good idea to keep Tobi indoors when fireworks are occurring, as some dogs become very frightened and could run away and get injured due to the noise and lights. Visit the links below for information on how to keep your pet safe during fireworks and how to handle anxiety related to fireworks: http://ontariospca.ca/media-centre/media-releases/86-fireworks-can-spook-your-pet-the-ontario-spca-reminds-you-to-practice-pet-safety.html https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952947

Poor Azul! Fireworks can be so scary for dogs. She will pee when she really needs to, and it will be ok if she doesn't pee tonight. I would take her outside first thing in the morning, or later tonight once the fireworks have finished. I will give you a few tips to help with her deal with this fear as well. One important thing to do to when Azul acts scared is not to reassure her. We think we are comforting her when we do that, but it's actually reinforcing the behavior and telling her it's ok to be scared. I recommend getting her a thundershirt to wear when there are fireworks or loud noises. These have been reported to help dogs with anxiety. At home, you can put her in a dark quiet room by himself to self-soothe. You can also turn on the TV or music to block out the sound. Finally, you can consider get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety.

It may be instinctive to try comforting her, but that is counterproductive. Just go on as usual, giving her the impression that there is nothing to fear. You could try putting a treat on each stair (before her daily meal, so she is hungry). Each time she goes up a step to get the treat, praise her a bit. You can do the same with the settee. She may need some time to get over this trauma, so be patient with her. If you need additional help, just click on the prompt to initiate a consult.