My dog Rosie is really scared of fireworks. Is there anything that can be done to help her?

Following simple recommendations may provide relief for your pet:

At least one week but preferably two weeks before the event

- Prepare a refuge area for your dog to go to during the fireworks.

- Encourage your dog to use it by hiding food treats there.

- Plug in a D.A.P. Diffuser in the room the dog uses to rest and relax and keep the device switched on night and day for the entire period.

On the day of the event

- Move your dog to a blacked out room at sundown with some toys and things for you to do as well so she does not feel abandoned.

- Put some music on, preferably something with a lot of constant drumbeats. It does not have to be loud.

- Ignore the dog yourself and try to engage your pet in some form of active game.

- Don't punish your dog when she is scared, it only confirms there is something to be afraid of.

- Ignore any fearful bahaviour. Don't fuss or try to reassure your dog when she is scared as this rewards this behaviour.

- Make sure your dog is kept in a safe and secure environment so that she does not bolt and escape.

- Allow her free access to the refuge/hidey hole at all times.

- Additionally to reinforce the action of the diffuser, D.A.P. Spray can be applied in the refuge area and on the dogs bedding during the event.

After the event

- Leave the D.A.P. plugged in for one week after the end of the fireworks.

Desensitisation

It is recognised that the best approach to treat dogs with firework fear is a controlled programme of systematic desensitisation and counter-conditioning.

This ideally, would start a couple of months ahead of the fireworks season and would include the use of the D.A.P in conjunction with a behaviour therapy CD such as Sounds Scary. For more information contact Soundsscary.com.

Conclusion

The most important thing is to remain calm and to IGNORE any fearful behaviour. Don't fuss or attempt to reassure your dog when she is scared as this rewards this behaviour. Your fussing and attempt at reassurance will only re-enforce your dog's view that there is actually something to be scared of.