No Stressi Pups: Calming Your Pets During Fireworks Season
Fireworks night can be stressful for dogs, but a few simple steps can make all the difference. From creating a cosy hideaway to using calming sounds and natural remedies, here's how to help your pup feel safe, secure, and a little less spooked this Bonfire Night.
How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Fireworks Night
1. Keep Them Indoors
On fireworks night, keep your dog indoors. Even if your dog is used to being outside, the loud noises can cause them to panic and try to escape. Ensure all windows and doors are securely closed to prevent any accidental escapes.
2. Background Noise
Drown out the sound of fireworks with calming background noise. Play soft music, turn on the television, or use a white noise machine to muffle the sounds of the fireworks. This can provide a soothing atmosphere for your dog.
3. Stay Calm
Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on their owners' emotions. If you remain calm and relaxed, your dog is more likely to follow suit. It’s important to act normally around your dog and be cheerful and playful. Allow your dog to isolate itself or hide if it wants to.
4. Create a Safe Haven
Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog to retreat to. This could be a cosy corner with their favourite blanket and toys. Make sure this space is away from windows and doors to minimize the impact of noise and flashes.
Our Sherpa blankets are the perfect size for dogs, providing them with a snug and secure space. And if you want to join in on the fun, our generously sized Minky Dot blankets are as roomy as a double bed, ensuring the whole family can snuggle up in comfort. Don't miss out - shop our cosy Sherpa & Minky Dot Blankets here.
5. Consider Desensitisation
Desensitisation techniques, such as playing recorded firework sounds at a low volume and gradually increasing the volume over time, can help your dog become less sensitive to the noise. Consult with a professional dog trainer for guidance on desensitisation exercises.
6. Consult a Vet
If your dog's fear of fireworks is severe, consult your veterinarian. They can provide advice on behaviour modification techniques or prescribe medication to help your dog remain calm during stressful situations.
7. Identification
Ensure your dog is wearing a collar with proper identification tags, including your contact information. In case your dog does manage to escape due to fear, this will increase the chances of a safe return home. See our selection of pet tags here.
8. Plan a Tiring Day
On fireworks night, engage your dog in plenty of physical and mental exercises during the day. A tired dog is more likely to be relaxed and less anxious during the evening.
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Pay attention to your dog's cues and be patient. With a little extra care and attention, you can help your furry friend weather the fireworks night with calm and confidence.
Recommended by our Reps
We reached out to our wonderful reps to find out the products, techniques, or events they recommend for keeping their pets calm on Bonfire Night, and here's what they came up with. Their insights and tips can help you ensure your furry friends have a peaceful and stress-free experience during the festivities.
@reggiethepugjug recommends:
Dorwest Herbs Scullcap & Valerian tablets, plus Valerian compound.
Perfect for keeping your dog calm during the fireworks season. Combine these natural supplements with gentle behavioural training, like noise desensitisation programs, to create a serene atmosphere at home.
Tune in to the Pet Classics show on Classic FM (100-102FM) radio station. This special program is designed to drown out the noise of fireworks and keep your pet calm.
Saturday 4 November and Sunday 5 November
5pm to 9pm
Herbs Scullcap & Valerian Bundle Pack
by Dorwest
RRP £23.80 - £89.80 (Depending on size)
@adventureswithfenton recommends:
Hush Muffs from Soothe and Settle are excellent for bonfire night!
Hush Muffs are made to fit your dog's noggin just right, with specially chosen materials that not only dull the noise but also give your fur buddy a cosy hug, making them feel all safe and snug during fireworks season.
@miloandleosdoglife recommends:
I highly recommend checking out the full Anxiety range from Paws Right There.
They have everything from pet friendly anxiety wax melts, candles, room sprays and paw balms. We use every single anxiety product and they have all helped massively!
Milo has a severe fear of fireworks and thunderstorms & we had tried everything from thunder jackets, plug ins, classical music and so on… However one night using Calm the Fluff Down Rollerball & Milo was sleeping like a baby right through all the fireworks & was up playing!
Paws Right There offer a Bonfire Night Bundle including their trio of anxiety reducing products: Anxiety Calm Balm, Goodbye Anxiety Room Mist, Calm the Fluff Down Rollerball.
*All prices were accurate at time of posting. We are in no way sponsored or affiliated with any of the brands or products mentioned.
