FIREWORKS!!

The Spectacle in the Sky: Fireworks and Their Ripple Effects on Dogs, PTSD Sufferers, the Elderly, Children, Farm Animals and Wildlife.

Fireworks have long been a symbol of celebration, bringing joy and awe to people around the world. However, amidst the dazzling displays of colour and light it's essential to consider the less visible but impactful consequences they can have on our vulnerable populations. Here, we will look into the effects of fireworks on dogs, but consideration should also be given to individuals with PTSD, the elderly, children, wildlife and our farm animals.

Fireworks can be overwhelming for some dogs

For dogs, fireworks can be an overwhelming experience. Many dogs experience extreme anxiety, fear, and stress during fireworks displays. The sudden loud noises, smell of bonfires and explosives trigger their sensitive hearing and olfactory system, leading to symptoms

like trembling, excessive barking, inability to settle and even attempts to escape and injury. This heightened anxiety can have long-term effects on a dog's behaviour, making them more prone to anxiety in general.

As a holistic canine wellness coach, my work revolves around empowering dogs to navigate anxiety-inducing situations. Through patience, understanding, and a holistic approach which includes botanicals and Animal Centred Education, my aim is to reduce anxiety in dogs and help to strengthen the pet – guardian bond which ultimately contributes to their resilience and well-being.

How to support your dog

When we fully understand that dogs are communicating their inability to cope during firework events we can start to support them in a variety of ways. For the practical methods of preparing your dog, or if a firework event is upon you then please help yourself to a copy of my FREE e-book download which can be found here: 15 ways to support your dog during fireworks FREE e-book

This will help you to navigate this event in the best way possible, but after things have died down attention should be brought to helping your dog cope better for future events.

There is no doubt that helping your dog to cope with fireworks needs to be started well in advance of events. For the traditional firework season of November and Christmas/New Year and other celebrations throughout the year, I would recommend starting at least 4 months in advance. This will allow time for the nervous system to off load some of its day to day stress and for you to be better prepared.

People will often give well meaning advice of ‘oh, he’ll grow out of it’ or ‘he won’t be as bad next time’, this is not my experience! Dogs will often grow ‘into’ rather than ‘out of’ behaviours and each event will increase in intensity and worry for your dog. Eventually this

will lead to them becoming more noise aware of everything around them and rather than them just being worried about fireworks this will morph into them become hyper aroused to noises in the home, out on a walk or in the street, all throughout the year.

My area of expertise is work with plant medicine through botanical self healing for dogs and Animal Centred Education (ACE). Botanical self healing helps to address the emotional side of fear for our dogs along with supporting any physical issues of pain, dis-ease or discomfort

they may be feeling. I also add in Animal Centred Education and particularly Free Work, to give dogs a way to decompress and give the nervous system a way to experience things differently which, amongst others, helps to ease anxiety.

In my ‘Dynamic Duo’ course we tailor make the programme to suit your dog and provide the support you need. We will work together for around 4 months to really dig deep into the underlying issues which may be causing your dog to be fearful during firework events or with life in general. The combination of plants and ACE is really powerful and many clients have found they can reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical medication or sedatives.

More information

While fireworks continue to captivate audiences worldwide, it's crucial to recognize and address their impact on vulnerable populations, both human and animal. As we celebrate, let's strive for a balance that allows for enjoyment while being mindful of the potential effects on those who may find the festivities less thrilling.

To find out more about supporting your dog visit my Dynamic Duo Course

or feel free to contact me by email: caninesenses@btinternet.com

I also have items in my shop which will help your firework support journey, click the SHOP tab on my website or visit directly here Canine Senses Shop