1.2 million dogs face a bad week

The banging has begun again and for many dogs, this is traditionally the worst week of the year. According to research by
the dog grooming website www.petbnb.nl
among 1,300 dog owners shows that 4 out of 5 dogs suffer from fireworks - a rough estimate of
some 1.2 million dogs in the Netherlands. Owners often qualify the complaints as severe and adjust their days accordingly.

How bosses adjust around the turn of the year

Many people try to escape the banging by going on vacation or leaving town during New Year's Eve.
Others take their dog to a quiet kennel or boarding house. Home stayers leave the dog at quieter times for extra
out long, close curtains (earlier) and turn up the TV a bit to mask noise. For such 1 in 3 dogs
heavier artillery is needed in the form of a sedative. The anecdotal tip "a little eggnog with whipped cream" sometimes comes along,
but that is unjustifiable for dogs and is thus not recommended.

Why fireworks are so stressful

Fireworks are unpredictable: loud bangs, vibrations and flashes with no clear source. Dogs also hear higher frequencies
and react more quickly to sudden stimuli. Without a safe place and gradual habituation, tension accumulates, risking
panic behavior, running away or even physical complaints.

What can you do now? Practical Tips

1) Routine and timing

Walk your dog early and at quiet times. Keep the last evening round short, on a leash and with a additional sturdy harness/strap.
Make sure your dog has eaten before the peak moment begins.

2) Safe hiding place

Furnish a "bunker" (crate or corner) with blankets, favorite toys and possibly white noise or music. Curtains closed;
windows and doors closed to muffle sounds and flashes of light.

3) Stay neutral and predictable

Do not reward or punish startle your dog. Behave calmly and everyday. Play or food search can shift the focus
and help drain tension.

4) Training and habituation

Bosses of non-anxious dogs advise to avoid the first bangs quietly ignore, so that a pup learns that there is no danger.
Gradual sound desensitization with fireworks shots can work; take it one step at a time and pair it with something fun (feed/play).
Hunting dogs sometimes become "shot-proof" through training, but don't force anything if your dog is showing stress signals.

5) Medication and devices

In consultation with your veterinarian, consider anxiety-reducing medication or supplements. Start on time; some remedies take days
To work properly. Avoid drugs with unwanted side effects and never give alcohol or dairy liquor.

What do owners think of fireworks rules?

Many owners can live with fireworks if they stay strictly around midnight, but have little sympathy for weeks of popping before and after
the turn of the year. In the said survey, in mid-November 2016 1,300 respondents share via
www.petbnb.nl.

In conclusion

With preparation, training and - where necessary - veterinary support, you can make the fireworks period considerably more bearable for your dog.
For upcoming holidays, also consider arranging babysitting early so that your dog can stay in a quiet, familiar setting;
check out the possibilities via Petbnb.