Fireworks season

I regret that I didn't start desensitisation earlier - playing firework sounds at a low volume and pairing with positive emotions - but they started earlier than I expected this year.

(This is a great app for desensitisation to sounds: https://www.preventivevet.com/pupstanding-app) 

We live near an arena which hosts large events including a Diwali celebration and the city's largest firework display.

There was a 15 minute firework display at the nearby arena in October. George didn't run away or hide - he displayed his more common fear response which is barking and pacing. He was desperate to get outside to the source of the noise.

I tried my best to distract him with games and a licki-mat but he was unsettled overnight and in to the next day.

At the end of October, I stumbled across some information stating Sileo gel can be an absolute game changer for fireworks and noise-sensitive dogs.

I messaged my VB who advised it is worth considering. They were out of stock (unsurprising given the time of year) but advised my regular vet may be able to dispense them.

Where I live, fireworks can only be sold to the general public for 3 days before 5 November.

When I got the message from our VB it was the evening of Thursday 31 October so time was of the essence! I knew the weekend was going to have a lot of fireworks.

I called my regular vet on the morning of 1 November. They were fantastic. They advised they could dispense it but needed an email from the VB. When I explained George's separation anxiety makes it difficult for me to collect, they were accommodating for me to arrange a package delivery.

My VB's clinic is obviously very busy but between the VB, our trainer and the wonderful receptionist (who wasn't even working that day), they got the confirmation off to my regular vet.

A lot of ducks had to get in a row but thanks to very helpful people, within 24 hours of my VB advising it could be a good idea, the gel arrived at my door.

For the first two nights, George really surprised me. He continued to have reactions to the normal things like a neighbour's door closing or a voice outside but completely ignored the very loud bangs and whistles of the fireworks.

He did get startled and ran back inside when he was going to the garden to toilet (it was quite early), when a very loud, very spluttering firework went off very close by (next door). But he seemed to shake it off. I was worried he would start to be afraid of the garden again but that doesn't seem to be the case so far.

He continued to show no reaction over the next few nights. He never fails to surprise me! He's scared of a neighbour clearing their throat two doors down but is perfectly fine with fireworks exploding around us.

So I haven't opened the $100 (expires after 3 weeks) gel yet. We've still got the city's largest fireworks display close by at the end of the month so I'm very grateful to have it on hand.

I'm aware that fireworks are very difficult for many pet owners so I'm grateful that (this time) George seemed to be OK...against the odds!

These are some useful tips to try:

• Create a safe space 
• Provide calming distractions (chews, frozen kongs, licki-mats)
• Pressure wraps/diffusers
• Stay calm, reward calm
• Tire them out earlier in the day
• Try to let them out for toileting before dark
• Stay close to provide comfort