It's Fireworks Time :-(

[centrop67]

I expect the uncontrolled chaos of fireworks to begin tonight, and as I anticipate the sheer Hell that Radar and Leela will go through, I can't help but think that I am not the only one.

• We crank the TV sound up to try to drown out the booms.
• We have prescription sedatives for the dogs from our Vet.
• We place covers over the crates, so they can try to hide.
• None of these acts are fully effective.

This year, it will probably be 4 straight days of this

I no longer enjoy New Year's Eve or the fourth of July. I do my best to comfort my family - it's never enough.

I don't want to spoil everyone's fun, and I don't want to be a cranky old bastard.

BUT...

I can't help it when my family suffers. It bothers me most that in most places (including where I live) this is illegal activity that NEVER gets enforced. I don't smoke pot, but I wish we treated it with as much indifference.

Also, those mortar fireworks are expensive. Imagine half or most of that $$$ going to support a charity, to a much needed trainer, or saved for a rainy day or an adventure? That beats 2 seconds of boom doesn't it?

Rant over.

I wish every one a Happy New Year. Be safe.

[Dutchringgirl]

right, crap, Sadie will be quivering behind my bed. I feel the same Michael.

[borellar15]

I saw some ear muffs for dogs. Maybe you could try those?

[centrop67]

I saw some ear muffs for dogs.

Hmmm. -> https://smile.amazon.com/Mutt-Muffs-DDR ... B002CZQ1TA

There's no time to get these for the next few days, but I might look into something like this.

I am just wondering what effect it will have on them to have one of their main senses blocked?

[centrop67]

Just read the product description after the previous post:

They will not eliminate sound. Mutt Muffs are not designed to cure thunderstorm phobia. Most dogs know a storm is coming long before there is any thunder. Their anxiety quite often is not related to sound. Mutt Muffs are designed to prevent hearing damage.

[borellar15]

Hmm. Yea So they’re not noise cancelling but they certainly have to reduce sound a little. But yea question is whether it’s the random popping or the intensity and loudness of the fireworks that your dogs don’t like.

[Dutchringgirl]

I had the thundershirt for Sadie but the problem was, when she saw the shirt she knew something was up and got worried anyway

[centrop67]

We have the thunder shirt for Leela. It helps a little during thunder storms, but not fireworks.

[TimL_168]

I use mutt-muffs on the range. They learn pretty quick that they're helpful and leave them alone.

[centrop67]

It's a New Year's Eve weekend miracle

No fireworks last night

I hope everyone saves them for Monday night. Preparation is key in reducing the anxiety, and I really don't want to sedate the dogs every night if I can help it.