Elma has the solution for dogs with a fear of fireworks and thunder

Dogs are usually afraid of firecrackers, storms, and thunder and, in general, of all loud and sharp noises. If you have a dog that is afraid of noises, this post is for you, but you have work ahead of you, since although they calm down and it passes, it is not usually immediate. Today we leave you a blog written by Elma from Elma ladra, in which she tells us how bad she used to feel when there were very loud noises and the tricks she used to overcome them:

We hope they help you too!

Thunder, firecrackers or dry and loud bangs are common sources of fear and stress for many dogs. Do you know how to help them?

There are many dogs that are afraid of loud or sharp noises, which leads them to suffer very unpleasant episodes as a consequence of developing a phobia.

Anxiety, stress or the need to escape are usually the responses of these dogs with a panic of firecrackers, thunder or noises that they consider a real threat to their integrity.

These reactions are adaptive and allow the dog to escape from danger. However, when they occur in the presence of a source that does not really pose a danger as such, the response ceases to be adaptive and loses its value.

For some animals, a storm or local festivals are moments of real panic, even going so far as to try (and sometimes succeed, with the danger that this entails) to escape to get away from what they consider to be something really dangerous.

The big problem for us humans who live with pets is how to help your dog so that he doesn't suffer in dangerous situations.

Below we tell you what has helped us to help Elma, our little one-year-old dachshund.

The main thing is to avoid reinforcing the fear response.

Humans, seeing our dog suffer in such a way, try to protect him by holding him in their arms or petting him. It is a common mistake that we all make, but to help him we must do the opposite: act naturally as if nothing dangerous is happening.

Something very important is also to provide our dog with a place where he feels safe.

Every time loud noises were heard, firecrackers were set off or there was thunder, our little Elma sought our company and a sheltered place to hide (under the bed, under the table...).

It was then that we decided to buy this teepee. Now, in addition to being a place she uses to relax, play or sleep, it is also her refuge in stressful situations.
 

If we sense a storm at night or if we are in the middle of festivities, we take the teepee to our room and place it next to her bed. If Elma is scared, she goes to her teepee herself and is much calmer there.

What has also worked for us is to take measures so that the noise that causes Elma panic is not heard so clearly at home. Therefore, we close windows and lower blinds and play slow music or the television so as not to be in absolute silence. When that happens, she already knows what comes next... so Elma goes into her teepee so as not to feel overwhelmed.

During festivities, for example, we change our walking schedule: we do it at times when we know there will be no loud noises and we look for quiet areas away from places where an event is being held or from very crowded areas.

If there is a storm, we do not leave the house until the thunder stops.

We avoid leaving Elma alone in these situations but, if there is no other option and she has to stay home alone, we provide her with access to her safe zone. Her teepee is always at hand so she can take shelter.

If you have a dog that is afraid of firecrackers and storms, we hope our tips can be helpful and if you know any more

Tell us in the comments to this post!

We hope we have guided you on how to calm your dog who is afraid of firecrackers and loud noises

Many thanks to Elma for this blog, you can continue reading her at Elma ladra 

See you in the next post

WOOF!!!