27/10/2023
Useful information about caring for dogs during the fireworks season
Fireworks are now on sale in the shops, so here are our tips to help your dog cope if they are afraid of bangs.
Keep your dog indoors while fireworks are being let off. Create a safe space for them, like a covered crate, or a blanket over a table, but don’t confine them. If you are their safe space, let them cuddle up.
Draw the curtains and turn on the radio or the TV to help mask the sounds. Classic FM usually does a special programme to help dogs stay calm on Bonfire Night. Leaving the light on can help to hide flashes in the sky.
Use a calming aromatherapy plug-in, or a spray on their bedding, such as Pet Remedy or Adaptil.
Try to behave normally, if you seem anxious your dog is likely to pick up on it. Don’t be afraid to comfort your dog, but let them believe it’s no big deal.
Make sure your house is escape-proof, especially if people are likely to come to the door. A frightened dog can bolt.
Provide your dog with something to lick or chew, like a Kong, or a long lasting chewy treat. This will help to distract them, to keep them occupied, and to help them calm themselves.
Try a Thundershirt, or home made equivalent (a scarf in a figure of eight around their chest and body) to maintain a gentle calming pressure. Some dogs find this constant “hug” calming, but it isn’t right for every dog. Don’t force it, and do practise with it in advance.
If your dog struggles with fireworks this year, then aim to prepare them for success next time by using a desensitisation protocol. This process involves exposing your pet to audio recordings of fireworks over a few months, very quietly at first and gradually increasing the volume, while giving them multiple small treats when they hear a bang. The Dogs Trust has freely available advice on this herehttps://www.dogstrust.org.uk/downloads/sounds%20scary%20booklet%20dogs%20trust.pdf
If you know your dog gets very distressed by fireworks talk to your vet about options for medication, or consider going somewhere you know will be quieter for the big nights.