Any advice for a scared dog

[libertywoo]

We’ve had our girl lurcher of over a year. She’s made amazing progress, she can be lead reactive with other dogs but we’ve been working hard on that and she’s much better. Last fireworks night she bolted on me after a firework went off, lost her for 20 mins which was awful. Got her home and she was a wreck, shaking and panting. We got some gel from the vet to put on her gums which helps loads when we know fireworks are going to be happening. Anyway last Saturday we were walking her in fields near our house, the farmer had some bird scaring device that went off sounding like gunshots.
Our girl absolutely panicked, started running, thankfully we managed to get her to stop and get her back to come home with us. Ever since then she has been extremely reluctant to go out a walk, she’ll slink out with her tail tucked between her legs, do her business as quickly as possible then turn and pull us back into the house.
This is happening wherever I take her, tried a different walk thinking it was maybe the specific field she didn’t like. It doesn’t seem to make any difference, she’s terrified.
I’m at a loss to know how to help her. She’s got a few dog friends we go walks with, even meeting up with them doesn’t help, she just completely shuts down.
When we get home after any walk now she takes herself off to the downstairs toilet and lies in there, I think it’s because it’s got no windows and is dark.
Just want my happy, loving her walks girl back ☹️

Bless her

I would not push her at all - this weather (if you are in the UK) it will not hurt her to stay at home. Let her relax, let her calm down and put no pressure on her at all for going for walks.

It can take over 72 hours for a dog cortisol level to go back to normal after a frightening experience and if she is still on edge at home this will be taking her longer.

I would try and build up the happy hormones at home. So what does give her pleasure? In the dark room will she take treats from you?

What exactly does the vet give her for fireworks anxiety?

Have you tried this? www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-behaviour-health/sound-therapy-for-pets

OP, the Dogs Trust Dog School do seminars throughout the year about Noise Fears. It might be worth contacting your local one to see if they have one coming up. Also, it might be worth looking for a session with a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. They'll be able to advise.

Thanks for your replies, the vet gave her Sileo gel for the anxiety, it really knocks her out. She seems to like it when I put a fan on for her, the white noise seems to calm her, when she’s hiding away she’s not interested in anything and is very withdrawn.
I was thinking of getting her a thunder shirt, has anyone tried one?
My trainer recommended desensitisation with noises but I was worried about doing it, as I felt her home is the place she feels safe. The link to the dogs trust is really interesting thanks for that, will be giving it a try once she’s back to her normal self.
We do have a dog trainer for her socialisation but will look into finding someone who can help with this as it’s so distressing, for her and us.

Thunder shirts can be fantastic for some dogs be careful in this heat though.

I agree with you do not use the desensitisation with noises yet it will be way too much for her.

I would recommend a qualified behaviourist as this is a difficult situation and doing the wrong thing could take time to correct.

Please seek advice from a reputable behaviourist who is registered with the apbc. Your poor doggy, you need someone who really knows what they are doing as lots of well meaning but not necessarily appropriately qualified people could land up making things worse for you and a good behaviourist could make literally all the difference. Your vet should be able to recommend, or if not I know one in my area who is so well renowned and I'm sure she would k is someone in your area and be happy to recommend. Dm me if you want.

Also if you have insurance try may well cover costs

Would she settle out in your garden if you made her a den out there? Put a blanket over a table in the shade to make the space dark and then sit beside her. If that works maybe feed her in there as well.

Going to take her to the vet tomorrow for a check up and see if she can recommend someone to take her to, thanks blackbird, I’ll be in touch if my vet doesn’t know someone.
She doesn’t like being out in the garden at the moment, runs out to do her toilet and flies back in again. We’re currently cuddled up on our bed with curtains shut and fan on, seems to help her. Makes me so sad for her because this is usually zoomies in the garden time

Oh bless her. She must've been so scared. I hope the vet can suggest someone. Good luck.

Also, try to be calm yourself, as she will pick up on your anxiety. If she can still hear that bird scarer in the distance, just respond to it with something like, 'Silly noisy thing isn't it dear dog. and offer a treat if she is acting fairly calm. Hope she is feeling better today