how to help your dogs during New Year

We all know how stressful it is for our pets every New Year's Eve. Fireworks and Firecrackers, for the majority, are very frightening to them. What do you do to keep him calm when the festivities begin? What works?

• Exercise your dog earlier; try to have him tired out ready for the evenings.

• Is the house secure-windows closed, doors secured etc and both escape proof and safe should your dog panic?

• Draw the curtains/blinds to keep out visual reminders-flashing lights etc.

• Have some familiar calming music on or turn up the TV (not too loud) to help block out some of the noise.

• Make sure your dog has access to an area where he feels safe - a 'den' which is away from windows with his bedding and toys, put some of your clothing in here so there is a familiar comforting scent, don’t move his bed suddenly, if you are going to set up a safe area in a specific part of the house, do it a few weeks in advance to give him time to adjust and familiarize himself.

• Let your dog out to relieve himself in the garden, under your supervision, so that he will be more comfortable and not desperate for a pee when the noise intensifies during the evenings.

• Offer a stuffed Kong, toys and/or favourite chew toy to distract; giving him something to do can help relive stress.

• Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available and feed your pet a couple of hours before the fireworks in the evening to help relax him.

• If your dog is affected by the noise – do NOT ever punish him. If you go out and find your dog has been destructive whilst you were gone – don’t punish him, stay calm, tidy up any mess and have a cup of tea! It is a completely pointless to punish him, damaging & extremely unkind to your dog, the bond between you both is affected and likely to make him even more stressed out.

• Our first reaction to a nervous anxious dog is often to stoke, cuddle and soothe, but hold back as your dog will interpret this as praise – a reward. You and your family members need to remain confident, relaxed and cheery try distracting him and when calmed give a cuddle then so you are not reinforcing any unwanted behaviour.

• Try to yourself remain relaxed and upbeat – conveying the message that there is nothing to worry about.

source: http://www.endangereddogs.com/EDDRFireworks.htm and http://philippinepethaven.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-2611.html