Most owners are aware that our lovely dogs have the most amazing hearing. Did you know they can detect sounds up to a mile away?
Their ears really are their superpower – but that also means they are at risk of suffering in silence when plunged into our noisy human world.
Before you pick up that power drill over your dog’s bed, turn up the volume on the music, or take your dog to a busy market, a noisy outdoor event or even a fireworks display, give a second thought to their hearing. Many dogs would prefer to stay at home in the peace and quiet than be forced to endure ear-splitting sounds that many humans can take in our stride.
Dogs can’t tell you ‘that’s hurting my ears mum or dad’ but if you watch their body language they will be communicating not loudly but clearly. Bowed head, tail between legs, shaking, cringing, hiding, that is a dog not happy in its surroundings.
Fireworks are hell for many hounds
Fireworks are of course the bane of many dogs’ lives. Helping to keep them calm is vital when fireworks are in full flow. There are a variety of ways to support your dog or cat, including herbal supplements, thunder vests, classical music or even sedatives from your vet.
There is also one very simple but effective way to help which I use on my own dog. The Somatic Relaxation Technique is a very simple but effective way to help put your dog back into a relaxed state if it’s shaking and quaking due to the explosive bangs and whizzes.
On my Facebook page there’s a short video showing you how to do this technique to help calm your pets. When the fireworks begin your dog will go into its ‘fight or flight’ state, it’s probably wide-eyed, shaking, hiding, it may freeze or drool. It’s in its sympathetic nervous system and our job is to encourage your dog back into its ‘rest and digest’ state and switch on the parasympathetic nervous system. This is where the Somatic Relaxation Technique comes in. By working very very slowly with your dog’s body and being calm yourself, you can help soothe and relax your dog. Once it begins to relax from your actions it may yawn, lip lick, stretch, put down its head, lie down or lie flat. These are all good signs that what you’re doing is working. Keep at it until your dog is more relaxed and the noise has stopped.