Humans frequently engage with balloons and observe them being utilized as decorations. A balloon, however, may be quite a frightening object for dogs and can make for a traumatic encounter. Although they have some suggestions, pet behaviorists aren’t quite clear why dogs are afraid of balloons. The following are possible causes for dogs’ fear of balloons:
- Movement Balloons are unexpected and float. Despite being solid, they are light enough to soar through the air and bounce off of objects. The unpredictable movement is scary to some pets. For smaller canines, seeing a large object float above them might simulate the size and appearance of a potential predator.
- SmellBalloons have a distinct smell and are not constructed of natural materials. As a result of a dog’s superior sense of smell, which is up to 100,000 times greater than a human’s, a rubber balloon’s odor is very potent. The scent of a rubber balloon could be overbearing and frightening to your dog.
- Feel
- Your dog could find the smooth material of a balloon strange and uncomfortable. Your dog stands the risk of receiving a static shock if it is bold enough to approach an inflated balloon. Some dogs could find the mix of touch and sensation scary.
Scientists will never discover the real cause of a dog’s fear of balloons. One particular cause alone or a mix of several others could be the cause. Never force your dog to interact with balloons against its will if it is afraid of them.
Can dogs play with balloons without getting hurt?
Even your devoted four-legged pet experiences the inner child when it comes to balloons. Although many dogs like trying to play with balloons, most of them are unsafe for them. But a lot of toys can imitate the appearance and motion of a balloon. Balls are a good activity for dogs who like balloons. Always keep in mind that not all activities have to revolve around a ball; they can also involve things like walks, playdates, or even canine sports like dock diving or agility.
Tether Tug
Finding the ideal tether pole may seem simple enough, but there are a few factors to take into account before buying one for your dog. The size and athletic prowess of your dog should be taken into account. A taller dog will do fine with a normal sized pole, while a shorter dog need a smaller tether pole. To avoid getting rapidly annoyed by a pole that keeps them running, dogs who are not particularly athletic can start with a pole that is not as bouncy.
Look around your yard for the ideal location before installing the new tether pole. So that they can play with it without being too hot, you should not leave your dog’s new toy out in the sun. Look for a shaded area away from trees so the toy or ball won’t get too caught in the branches. Your dog will grow frustrated as a result. Additionally, search for a space that is wide and free of fences or other hazards that your dog can run into and become injured by.
It is time to set up the play area once you have purchased your tether tug equipment and searched your yard for the ideal location. Make sure to securely attach and support the tether pole when placing it to prevent it from rising out of the ground and potentially injuring your dog. After the play area is put up, spend some time showing your dog how to use it. When they figure it out and begin a fun game of tether tug, encourage them!
Provide them a safe place
Some dogs may find relief in having a peaceful, balloon-free space to retreat to during festive occasions. In this manner, your dog won’t worry about them and may relax in his own area.
When popping the balloons during cleanup, make sure they are far away from earshot.
Try counter conditioning techniques
This method might work well if your dog is a little wary of the balloons rather than being afraid of them. Counter conditioning is shifting your dog’s emotional response from one of fear to one of excitement when it sees the balloon.
Here is a detailed instruction:
- It’s important to start by considering a food that your dog like, such as cheese or hotdogs.
- Now chop up a bunch of these sweets into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the balloon on the cushion next to you as you take a seat on the sofa.
- Show your dog the delicious goodies, and then begin to give them to him one at a time.
- When your dog has consumed around a dozen, get up and move the balloon out of the way.
- Take a brief pause, then sit down with the balloon at your side once more.
- Repeat the process while still giving out wonderful rewards.
As a result, you’re now looking for your dog to show signs of excitement when he sees the balloon because he is aware that balloons equal fantastic gifts for him to receive!
Desensitization techniques
This method is for dogs who become quite tense around balloons. Desensitization is the process of gradually lessening your dog’s sensitivity to situations that make him uneasy, in this case, balloons.
The method tries to gradually introduce the balloon in the least frightful way possible so that your dog can become accustomed to them and eventually stop being bothered by them.
- Find a treat that your dog enjoys eating, just like with counter conditioning; cooked meats, cheese, and hotdogs are all common favorites.
- With one hand holding a balloon that hasn’t been inflated, use the other to reward your dog.
- You can re-treat your dog after adding the tiniest bit of air to the balloon as long as they haven’t displayed any signs of anxiety.
- Still pleasant and serene? Great, there are still more treats and the balloon has a little more air.
If your dog is still calm and polite, you can gradually add more and more air to the balloon over the course of many days until it is fully inflated.
Why does bubblewrap repulse dogs?
Have you ever noticed how your dog shrieks in terror when a certain noise is made? It’s not very pleasant to witness poor Fido exhibit indications of utter panic, especially when there isn’t much we can do to stop the noise that is upsetting them. Loud sirens, drilling, and loud bangs are some of the sounds that most bother us as humans.
Dogs’ ears are much more sensitive than humans’, therefore it seems sense that they don’t particularly enjoy these noises either. However, some noises particularly agitate dogs. And to our dogs, they presumably sound considerably louder than they do to us.
Did you know that dogs have a four times greater hearing range than humans? Compared to the human hearing range of 64-23,000 Hz, dogs can hear higher pitched noises and can detect a frequency range of 67-45,000 Hz. Thus, the thunderclap seems much louder to them than it does to us.
Some of the following noises that cause dogs to hide under sofas or shudder in beds will be familiar to most dog owners.
Fireworks
Probably the most frequent source of fear in dogs. Why shouldn’t they be, then? Our dogs have no understanding why all these bangs, cracks, and whizzes keep happening because fireworks are essentially a series of loud noises.
Additionally, fireworks don’t just go off for two minutes; they typically linger all night, especially on November 5th, and intermittent displays of fireworks light up the sky in November, December, and January. This can be incredibly distressing for everyone concerned and makes it quite difficult for dog owners to try to help their dogs.
Don’t give up though; there are certain things you can do to lessen their agony and worry. To keep Fido occupied, stock up with s, close your curtains, blinds, and windows.
I used the vacuum.
Oh my, a dog’s biggest enemy is undoubtedly the vacuum cleaner. For them, it resembles an alien robot that chases them around the room while making a terrible noise. And our poor pooches just don’t understand the suction issue. When they hear a vacuum start up, a lot of dogs will bolt a mile. Others will attempt to bite it, while others will simply bark helplessly. Since vacuums don’t produce a particularly pleasant sound, it is understandable why it might irritate our dogs’ ear canals.
Bouncy tape
Have you ever noticed some bubble wrap around your home or began bursting open a present, only to find your dog hiding in the corner and acting as though they’ve seen a ghost? It can be fun to pop bubble wrap because it makes us feel like a kid again. However, dogs absolutely detest it.
Balloons
Dogs are really uncomfortable with balloons because of how static they feel. And that’s prior to them beginning to pop. Nobody wants to have a balloon burst close to them, especially when they are not expecting it. At least we are aware of what will happen when we decide to pop a balloon and let it fall. Poor dogs, they have no comprehension; all they hear is a loud pop in their ears.
Thunder
Numerous canines find it difficult to handle the sound of thunder, much as how they react to fireworks. If you’re completely honest with yourself, you probably don’t particularly like the menacing sound of distant thunder. Again, dogs are blind to its source and are unable to comprehend that it is a natural phenomenon occurring in the sky. No, that probably sounds like the end of the world to them.
sirens for emergency services
Whatever it is, the police, fire, and ambulance don’t like it. Even while we may not particularly enjoy the sound of a loud siren, at least we are aware of its significance and the necessity for the emergency services to arrive at their destinations quickly and securely. Fido was just startled by a dreadful nee naww nee naww sound, which is understandable given how frightening it is.
laundry equipment
Not to be forgotten is the terrible washing machine. The likelihood is that your old washing machine makes a terrible noise. And if you find this noise annoying, your dog might feel the same way.
Are dogs harmed by helium balloons?
It’s time to celebrate now that all the snow has finally melted! Baby showers, graduations, the wedding season, and other outdoor gatherings are all abundant in the spring and summer. According to Dave Wilson, Senior Director of Shelter Health and Wellness at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, these festivities also bring a ton of balloons, which could pose risks to your pets and wildlife.
Why are balloons dangerous for pets?
In the era of social media, balloons are used to commemorate milestones such as gender reveal parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and more. However, according to Wilson, balloons should not be released outside of a building or residence.
Although the launching of balloons into the air may result in a beautiful recollection or photograph, an animal may not survive. What goes up must come down, Wilson warns, noting that Helium balloons, particularly Mylar balloons, can go far, even kilometers. If balloons are released in a metropolis, they might land in an alternative county, the countryside, or even cottage country.
The biggest worry is that pets will chew and ingest fragments of balloons that have burst that may float into your yard, rather than choking on a deflated balloon. The balloon fragments will split open and flatten as they pass through your pet’s food pipe, stomach, and intestinal track; this obstruction can be highly effective. According to Wilson, a retired veterinarian, blockages would typically need surgical intervention by a veterinarian to remove and treat any harm caused by the balloon parts.
The idea that choosing biodegradable balloons manufactured of biodegradable latex is a responsible way to enjoy balloons and not having to worry about where they end up is one that is frequently held inaccuracy.
According to Wilson, biodegradable balloons still take one or more years to decompose, and none of the balloon materials—nylon, latex, or Mylar—will decompose in an animal’s stomach.
How can you protect your pets from ingesting balloons?
Because helium leaks out of balloons as they are released, they ultimately deflate and burst, and they may then enter your yard when your pet is left alone, pet owners sometimes fail to notice when their animals consume balloons.
Like a ball or toy, shiny balloons may draw the attention of dogs and cats. Pets may playfully burst the balloon and curiously steal a sample. Wilson advises you to “watch for any form of blockage” to keep your pet safe. Call your veterinarian if your dog or cat suddenly stops eating, vomits, has loose stools, or appears depressed.
Help keep wildlife balloon-free
Because they can float into animals’ habitats, balloons are also dangerous to wildlife. Balloons (particularly Mylar ones) can imitate other food sources like fruits, berries, or vibrant flowers when animals is scavenging for food. Before it’s too late, a small bird might not realize a small red piece of balloon is not a small red berry, according to Wilson.
Rodents and rabbits may accidentally ingest balloon fragments when foraging for dandelions or other plants or while eating their regular food.
Wildlife is also at risk from the rope or ribbon that has been connected to a balloon. An animal may get its legs or wings hooked, effectively trapping it and preventing it from returning to its nest or other secure location.
Wilson claims that witnesses have described seeing balloons burst as far away as Algonquin Park.
“The saddest part is that these balloons originate from a very joyous event—a birthday, a birth, a wedding—and to have them wind up harming or killing wildlife simply makes me feel incredibly sorry,” said the speaker.
Wilson says, “It wasn’t that long ago that we were throwing rice at weddings and then we realized how dangerous it was to pigeons, doves, and other birds in the area and how it can kill them so easily, so we stopped doing that. Sometimes we need to make sacrifices and change our behavior in order to protect pets and wildlife.
To protect animals, use balloons only indoors during springtime celebrations and never let them go outside.
