My dog is gonna freak out this New Year!

@mjcookie (2271)
Philippines
December 28, 2009 1:50am CST
Firecrackers, gunshots, or any other things that produce a loud popping noise scare the hell out our pet dog. Even if it's just a freaking low sound that came from afar, she whines a lot. Every time she hears these noises she jumps a lot and she tries to let go of her leash (of which end is tied to the window). This New Year when firecrackers are gonna be present (a tradition here in the Philippines), I'm sure that she would have a hard time. It could probably have been a result of a traumatic experience she had a few years ago (she was shot twice with an air gun by our neighbor). Thank God she survived. Are your dogs like this? I've read in an article that dogs are highly sensitive to sound, and noises easily stress them out. What do you do to help your dog calm down and not be afraid?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@atebuds (187)
• Philippines
28 Dec 09
I don't think they'll ever get used it. I feel sorry for them. They'll try to squeeze themselves under our pillows, run and find a safe place to hide. I hope I can just put on earphones on them and play music, or put on them earplugs so they won't hear the noise.. Haha..
1 person likes this
@mjcookie (2271)
• Philippines
28 Dec 09
I've thought about those earphones, too! I've once covered the ears of my dog with my hands, just to muffle the noises he heard.
@saphrina (31552)
• South Africa
29 Dec 09
Please, just go to your local vet and ask for anything that will help calm her. Anything, just to keep her safe and calm. She sounds well trained, especially if she goes out without a leash. At least you have the heart to ask for help and that is saying enough for me to know that you love and care for her. Hope your vet can help you.
1 person likes this
@drakesuyat (1063)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
hi mjcookie! who wouldnt freak out with that kinda fireworkers (or should i say explosives) we have here in our country?. we have a dog here who is a real barker at night and surprisingly becomes really very quiet and sometimes shaking during new year's celebration. i saw him last new year shaking and cant help but watch him. i even offered him food thinking that he's hungry but never bother to eat it. poor bugoy. happy new year mjcookie
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
well actually at first, i almost thought that bugoy is gonna die coz he is an old dog and its very rare that we see him act that way. he is a very noisy(literally) dog especially when tied up. and he even jumps upon seeing his food. its really strange when we first saw him stay quiet. that scenario even gave us an idea to keep some of those fireworks and just use it to calm him down whenever he's a little hyper.
@mjcookie (2271)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
You're right! That's a cute name for a dog, Bugoy. Very Filipino, hehe. :D Anyway, that happens to our dog, too. She shakes a lot, she becomes so restless that she doesn't even care about the food anymore even if it is something really tasty for her. She isn't picky when it comes to foods--she eats just about everything. I tried to give her eggs yesterday but she jerked away when I put them in her mouth. I wondered why and I suddenly realized it was the noise's fault.
@mjcookie (2271)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
You actually use fireworks to calm him down? Haha, I don't think it's a good idea. Noise stresses them out, and the effect of stress on dogs is different for us humans.
• United States
28 Dec 09
Our vet has recommended childrens Benedryl to help the dog not be so afraid of the fireworks. We give it to them about an hour before the fireworks start and then make sure that they are in the most interior room of the house. It has worked for them for the past couple of times so we will probably do it again on New Years Eve. Happy New Years to everyone.
@mjcookie (2271)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
Benadryl for dogs? Wow, never heard of that. But with your testimonial it sounds really effective. Thank you for your response. :D
• United States
29 Dec 09
Acts as a mild seditive. We use a half of a childrens tablet on the 20lb dog. Makes him kinda sleepy so he doesn't really care if the fireworks are going off.
@mjcookie (2271)
• Philippines
29 Dec 09
Great, that's really helpful. Benadryl is so much available here in our country. Thanks.