31/10/2024
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It’s that time of year again, the fireworks are going off most nights around here.
It can be a difficult time for our little ones and I know that some of my dogs are already feeling the stress. If your dog is suffering with the loud noises and you are struggling to help them, perhaps try some of the following:
🎧Desensitise your pet to loud noises and fireworks – Habituation is a type of learning where a response to a stimulus (e.g. stress caused by the sound of fireworks) is reduced through repeated exposure. Playing firework noises on a low volume ahead of bonfire night will reduce your pet’s stress response to that sound. This has been the best method with a few of my customers.
🎶 Classic FM are partnering with RSPCA and hosting a special radio programme on Saturday 2nd and Tuesday 5th November from 5-9pm, playing specifically calming music for pets. Meanwhile, soft classical and jazz music has been proven to sooth your pets.
🧦 Stress bands and calming jackets are also helpful but expensive, instead try cutting the ends off a sock and putting them around your dogs head, this has been effective in previous years with some of my friends and families dogs.
🐾 Calming tablets can be bought from your local pet store or are sold on Amazon (Calm-Eze tablets) which are a natural dietary supplement. You can also pick up pheromone diffusers from Pets at Home which disperse calming chemicals into the room. Use safely and in line with instructions.
🛌 Build a firework den – A firework den is a place that muffles the sound of the fireworks, hides them from sight and makes your pet feel safe. This could be behind the sofa, in a wardrobe or under a table. When you’ve found the perfect spot, add blankets to muffle the sound and hide fireworks from view. Familiar toys and pillows can also make your pet feel more comfortable and safe.
💤 Tire them out. On the days where it’s likely there will be fireworks, engage your dog in extra physical activity during the day to help reduce their energy and anxiety levels. Make time for playtime and mental stimulation with puzzles and snuffle mats. This will make them more relaxed for the evening.
😨 Keep calm yourself – Don’t allow yourself to become stressed and anxious over your pet’s fear. They will pick up on your mood and this can make them stressed too. If your pet wants to be around you when the fireworks start going off, let them do so. Don’t excessively comfort them however, as this can reinforce their fear and justify their scared behaviour.
🎇 If you would like to host your own fireworks display, why not try the silent fireworks that can be bought from Asda! I want everyone to enjoy Bonfire night but please think of our animals, and leave firework displays to that one night!
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe, comment below if you have any other ideas that you have found helpful 🐶🐾❤️
