Dogs and fireworks...some advice

As you may be aware, Guy Fawkes night is getting ever closer, and if you have dogs (and indeed any other pets) this can be a time of great stress for them, with all the flashes and bangs going on.

Here are some tips to help you at this time.

• KEEP YOUR DOG INDOORS!!! I know that sounds like something obvious, but keep your dog indoors, if your dog does not like fireworks than you could have a traumatised dog if they are left outside, obviously not a good thing. Baring this in mind, make sure you take your dog for a walk to make sure they have gone to toilet before the fireworks start.
• TURN ON A RADIO OR TV FOR BACKGROUND NOISE. The sound of a radio or TV could distract your dog from the various noises of the fireworks.
• FEED YOUR DOG AN HOUR BEFORE IT GET DARK. If you do this and maybe add a little extra and maybe make it a dish with white pasta or potato then you can feel the dog and make them a little sleepy.
• DO NOT PET OR MAKE A FUSS OF YOUR DOG IF THEY GET A LITTLE SPOOKED. I know this sounds harsh, but doing that reinforces the behavior making them think it is right to be scared. Act as if nothing is wrong, and your dog will pick up on that.

There are other things you can do too, like getting "Fireworks CDs" where you play the CDs for longer and louder durations thus desensitizing the dog to the noises or getting a DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) Plug-In that can help calm down your dog. Both of these methods need to be done a few weeks in advance to get a good effect.

Oh and one more thing...I know how stupid this is going to sound, but DO NOT TAKE YOUR DOG TO A FIREWORK DISPLAY!!! Yes, I know.....but there are people who do it and wonder why thier canine companion suddenly goes loopy! Leave them at home, and when you leave put some music on or the TV, and don't make a big fuss about going out or they will pick up on your concerns.

I hope everyone has the fun they want with fireworks, and that eveones dogs have a relaxing few evenings too!

UPDATE

A really good place for information about this is http://www.dogsandfireworks.com/ where you can get some advice, download a free MP3 file that can help desensitize your dog, and you can also donate to the Dogs Trust, a brilliant charity for all out canine companions. (Many thanks to Karen Wild for pointing me toward her site, it's brilliant!)