When it comes to trauma or fear, the best we can do is employ a process for systematic desensitization in the company of a professional, but if we refer to phobias, this is a process that may take a little longer or there is even the possibility of not being treatable.
However, we can mention a few tips to know what to do when a dog is afraid of rockets.
The reason for the fear of pyrotechnics
El fear of loud noises it is something completely normal that happens in dogs.
Their instinct to survive tells them that they have to hide or make an attempt to flee to save their lives. In more serious cases we can see the presence of excess saliva, diarrhea, vomiting, aggressive behavior, tremors and nervousness.
The main causes that can cause a dog to fear pyrotechnics are the following:
By genetics
This fear is part of the characteristics of behavior that in some cases puppies inherit from their parents.
Traumas
This is due to an experience that has been negative, despite the fact that they are not directly linked to pyrotechnics, they can cause life-long trauma to the dog.
By socialization
When there has not been a good work regarding the habits towards the noises that are loud during the socialization stage, it is most likely that when our dog feels fear, he has a aggressive or scared behavior the first moment you hear the fireworks.
However, the fear of rockets may develop without the need for a bad experience and despite the fact that since its puppy stage it has had excellent socialization with these kinds of situations and loud noises. Another reason may be a disease or the fact that he has lost one of his senses, this being one of the factors that cause fears to develop as well as phobias.
Calming a dog frightened by fireworks
When we do not have the time necessary to be attentive to a desensitization process in a complete way or we do not have the capacities to be able to do so, we can put into practice some of the tips that we will explain below.
Avoid leaving the dog alone
Dogs are not recommended to be home alone, especially when they are very afraid and because of this they have a destructive behavior.
Create a safe zone
For that we can use a box that is made of cardboard or in its difference a bed for dogs that is like a cave.
This it's a place that has to be dark and at the same time comfortable, that is why we must also remember to place blankets and a toy inside. We have to place this nest in an area away from windows or street noise.
Isolate noise
In addition to closing the doors and windows, we can place some music that is quite relaxing.
Offer some distraction
There are dogs that do not want to eat or play when they hear very loud noises, for that we can offer a bone that is raw, a toy that has the ability to dispense some food or keep the stuffed animal that he likes the most nearby in order to distract him.
Using pheromones
These are a combination of stress and fatty acids that have the ability to mimic the sebaceous glands that are released by female dogs during the lactation period. The main function of this substance is to be a painkiller and they are of great help to reduce anxiety.