What are dogs afraid of? Fear of fireworks
Fireworks displays are the most common trigger for fear in dogs. Fireworks terrify most four-legged friends, generally causing a panic-like state. Dogs are afraid of loud noises and intense visuals. They also don't tolerate the specific smell of fireworks. Most often they seek shelter, whine, run restlessly or flee in panic, tremble and become nervous. Then it can be helpful to take the dog to a quiet room with tightly closed doors and windows, closed curtains or blinds, where it will be protected from noise and light effects. You can also build him a "cave" of pillows and blankets.
Calm background music or playing familiar sounds, such as the TV on, can also help distract from the noise of the fireworks. It is also worth to interest the ward with attractive fragrances and favorite treats. Some dogs also have desensitization therapy, i.e. gradual accustoming of the pet to sudden noise. Dogs with a strong noise phobia are given sedatives (after consultation with a veterinarian). This option is used as a last resort when all other measures fail.
What are dogs afraid of? Fear of the storm
Dogs have excellent hearing, so it's no wonder they are terrified of the loud thunder that occurs during a thunderstorm. Bright flashes of light, lightning, thunder, lightning, giving characteristic intense light effects, cause fear reactions in most dogs. In addition, electrostatic discharges, felt by the quadruped in the form of tingling all over the body, or strong wind intensify the unpleasant sensation. As a result, dogs most often seek shelter in secluded, cramped, dark places. They start whining, squealing, and sometimes do their physiological needs at home. In any fearful situation, it is necessary to remain calm, composed and caring, without exaggeration.
It can be helpful to isolate your four-legged friend from visual stimuli by tightly closing the windows, leaving them in the bathroom or taking the dog home when it is outside. In addition, wiping your pet's fur with a damp cloth minimizes static electricity and soothes unpleasant sensations. Some methods used during fireworks shows also work well: drowning out the sounds of the thunderstorm with music, distracting with attractive games and rewarding with favorite treats. In a situation where a storm is looming and your pet must stay home alone, you should provide him with access to those places that he usually considers safe. In extreme cases, after consulting a veterinarian, you can use pharmaceuticals.
What are dogs afraid of? Anxiety while driving
The fear of traveling by means of public transport is most often caused by the destination itself. It can also be noisy sounds, images moving too fast outside the window and vibrations of the vehicle. The dog's physical discomfort can also be intensified by the strong smell of gasoline and exhaust fumes, imbalance and unpleasant sensations from the digestive tract. If your dog is afraid to travel, it is worth trying to gradually get him used to driving. If your pet suffers from motion sickness, it may be helpful to use preparations available in veterinary offices for quadrupeds suffering from motion sickness. It is also beneficial to keep your dog facing forward in the car so that the scenery outside the window does not move past him to the rear. In addition, do not give your dog anything to eat a few hours before the trip.
What are dogs afraid of? Fear of the vet
Most dogs are afraid of the vet. In addition to the fact that a visit to the clinic may be associated with pain and stress, invasive procedures, it is also a sensory challenge for most dogs. In addition to various odd smells, noises, and visual effects, dogs also experience the anxiety and nervousness of other animals.
So how do you calm your dog down before this visit? Choosing a doctor is important. A veterinarian should be communicative, patient, empathetic and experienced. It is worth making an appointment for the first visit without treatment, only to familiarize yourself with the clinic, in particular with the staff and the characteristic smells. The familiarization visit plays an important role in building positive associations. If your pet has no physical ailments, it is worth taking him for a longer walk before visiting the vet, engaging in non-intensive exercise and engaging fun so that he has the opportunity to use energy and relieve stress. Moderate activity will keep your dog happy and more relaxed. During the visit, it is worth remembering about favorite treats, verbal praise, stroking, hugging and other positive stimuli.
When my dog is scared
By definition, fear is a negative emotion, triggered by a real threat or by an unknown factor that seems dangerous. Because dogs are very affectionate, loving creatures, they can get scared in a variety of situations. The problem of anxiety in dogs may result from inadequate socialization, genetic burden, diseases, the aging process, frequent changes of residence, bad experiences or external factors, e.g. such as: intense sounds, bright light, encounters with strange people or animals, traveling by means of communication or loneliness. Never underestimate a situation in which your dog is afraid. Anxiety symptoms in a four-legged friend can appear suddenly or gradually increase and can take various forms. It is important to learn to recognize them, understand them, take the necessary precautions and make your pet feel safer.
Maybe you'll like it:
