Fireworks Season Not Enjoyed by All

[centrarchid]

It is that time again. Fireworks! Pretty and exciting for most humans with exception of those with PTSD like I have a bit of. For animals other than humans it is generally not a fun time. My dogs are hiding like they do from intense thunder and lightening. The chickens flinch noticeably on the roost. Broody hens on clutches may be having a hard time as well. I am at a loss as one can manage against the stress.

 

[21hens-incharge]

On this I heartily agree.
My vet gave me tranquilizers for my large dogs.
It is only the 30th and I had to give hem some!
So sick of the fireworks and what it does to the dogs already.

 

[centralcaligirl]

I have a brand new package of earplugs ready and waiting.

 

[Sara Ranch]

Maybe have a radio playing for the animals 24/7 until the fireworks season passes.

The background noise might filter/block out some of the loud noises of firecrackers.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It's already started here too -- fireworks!

I live next to an orchard and they use an air cannon at times to ward off flocks of birds. My adults are fairly used to the boom and don't pay it much attention. (I think that flocks of birds would get used to it as well - wander at the effectiveness of this noise).
The other night, I think their timer was out of whack - the thing went off about every 10mins for a couple of hours. I looked on my cams - the adults had tucked heads and appeared to be sleeping fine. Youngsters in other pen were wide awake. This was with fans running, which does make some noise. Youngsters lounged and took quite a few naps the next day, but seemed o.k., but I kept close watch on them.

Noises do bother my dog as well, he is losing his hearing, so he doesn't get quite so anxious with the booms and noise from fireworks. He's a sky watcher though, so if he sees dark clouds or it's sprinkling rain - he associates that with thunder/lightning - then his anxiety level goes up.

I have used Bach Rescue Remedy in the past for the dog when he was younger and more prone to severe anxiety. It worked fairly well - there are different formulas for pets and people - may be worth exploring.

For really stressed birds use Poultry Nutri-Drench - this is quick uptake. Worth a try and would do no harm.

Just my thoughts I hope everyone has a safe 4th.

Bach Flower remedies can be found online or if you have a Co-Op (organic/natural) store - most of the time they carry it too.
http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/

 

[andreanar]

Agreed. My dog has a hard time with it. And around here, its not limited to just 1 day. They will be thrown off for a week! My father is a Vietnam vet and I feel for everyone out there that are affected this time of the year.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

One of my dogs actually enjoys fireworks when she can see them. But it has been several years since I went out on the 4th of July. The show we get here just from the illegal fireworks is quite a display. Our town (a tourist destination) actually triples in population for that holiday.

One of my 70# dogs is as nervous as a chihuahua. We do turn on movies pretty loud, sometimes even action. It does do quite a bit to alleviate their anxiety.

And boy do we ever get some horrendous thunder storms! I have definitely considered how frightening it must be for the wildlife as well as my pets.

Great topic!

 

[centrarchid]

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/dog-spies/good-and-bad-ways-to-help-a-dog-afraid-of-fireworks/

 

[Chickiemom25]

It is that time again. Fireworks! Pretty and exciting for most humans with exception of those with PTSD like I have a bit of. For animals other than humans it is generally not a fun time. My dogs are hiding like they do from intense thunder and lightening. The chickens flinch noticeably on the roost. Broody hens on clutches may be having a hard time as well. I am at a loss as one can manage against the stress.

Dogs can be desensitized with a little effort. I have taken my puppies to streets with lots of fireworks and made them sit and watch ( or cower as the case may be) . after an hour of tugging and pulling, they realize they are still alive and fine. They eventually calm down and fall asleep. Next year, we have no issues with fireworks.

Where I am now, its guns we have to desensitize from. Thus they are better with fireworks. I'll be interested to see how my new flock manages, although for 2 days we have had arials going off and I am still getting eggs from my young ladies. Cows next door seem oblivious.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Dogs can be desensitized with a little effort. I have taken my puppies to streets with lots of fireworks and made them sit and watch ( or cower as the case may be) . after an hour of tugging and pulling, they realize they are still alive and fine. They eventually calm down and fall asleep. Next year, we have no issues with fireworks.

Where I am now, its guns we have to desensitize from. Thus they are better with fireworks. I'll be interested to see how my new flock manages, although for 2 days we have had arials going off and I am still getting eggs from my young ladies. Cows next door seem oblivious.

Depends on the dog really. Two of my dogs, sure that might work. But the 3rd one is so nervous we can't even talk politics without her shaking in her boots and that would just be CRUEL! She is 7 years old now, still shakes in her boots every time we get passionate in our voices, not even yelling.

Plus I remember those loud booms scaring the crap out of me when I was a kid and crying and pleading to leave. It wasn't fun. And you top that with the nasty smell! I hate that smell and is itself enough to make me not want to join in the festivities. Imagine a dog with more smell receptors than us, AND BETTER HEARING, (I might add), subjected to the choking stink, lights flashing, startling/deafening sound.

Yes, for SOME, if you start young... they will desensitize. Others never will. Know your dog... and don't create future issues you don't need. Just because they are dogs doesn't mean they aren't scared, don't have feelings, or that it won't effect their thought process in the future.

Thanks for sharing and best wishes!