ADVICE

Tips to settle a dog scared by fireworks

Fireworks can be extremely stressful for dogs as they do not understand what they are and potentially think they are in danger. This goes for other pets and wildlife too where they are forced to leave the safety of their home and become disorientated.

To help settle your pets at home, the following top tips may help; you may want to try out different techniques as each pet will respond differently, and you are encouraged to seek your vet’s or a clinical animal behaviourist’s advice.

• Be aware of signs of distress in your dogs; these can include:

  • Panting excessively

  • Drooling

  • Shaking

  • Yawning

  • Whining

  • Putting their tail between their legs

     

• Dull the noise of fireworks

  • Having usual background noises (such as the TV) also helps; this will help dull the noise of the fireworks

  • Play classical music (you can even find pet calming specific soundtracks); the soothing tone of these should instantly calm your dog

  • You could also try using white or brown noise to drown out the fireworks

  • Closing your windows and curtains can also help reduce the noise of the fireworks

     

• Place a bandana around your dog with a few drops of a specialised calming liquid (or put it on your pets bed or similar); there are various brands to choose from and your pet may respond better to some more than others. The scent of these will have a calming effect on your dog.

  • Many liquids are safe to put in your dog’s food; tablets work fairly effectively too

  • Pheromone diffusers also work for many dogs

     

• Plan your walks so you are avoiding being outside in the most likely period for fireworks (5-9pm)

  • Be mindful that fireworks, unfortunately, are likely to be on for the week or so leading up to 5 November and then a week or so afterwards

  • Make sure your dog has made themselves comfortable (been to the loo) before about 5pm as they may not even want to go in the garden once the fireworks start

  • Keep your dog on the lead as you never know what time the fireworks will start/finish and your dog may bolt if you get caught out

     

• Find out when local fireworks displays are on to plan your evening; although be aware that fireworks can occur when you are not expecting them

  • You could also make your neighbours aware of your dog’s anxieties around loud noises

     

• Ensure they have a safe space to feel secure; this may be their usual bed or you may wish to build them a fort with a cover overhead

  • Keep your dog inside

  • Placing an item of your clothing (with your scent on) can help reduce their anxiety

  • Pick up on their body language whether they want you nearby or not

  • Let them pace around if they want to

  • Keep your voice calm

     

• You can use dog clothing items to reduce noise and help make your dog feel more secure such as:

  • A dog snood which wraps around your dog’s head and ears (similar to earmuffs)

  • A dog anxiety jacket but wrapping a scarf around them has the same effect (this will give your dog a hugging feeling which may reduce their anxiety)

  • With anything you put on your dog, keep them supervised to ensure the device is not too tight or is getting tangled as this would be dangerous

     

• Give your dog a tasty treat or a chew that will last a long time or a dog puzzle; this will help keep your dog distracted and calm

   

• Although your dog may need some intensive comforting, try to carry on as normal as much as possible as this will signal to your dog that there is nothing to
  worry about

   

• You can try CDs, pet therapy or similar to help desensitise your dog to fireworks but this needs planning and is usually best started about six months in advance of fireworks night