How to keep your dog calm during the fireworks this Bonfire Night

And with searches for ‘dogs and fireworks’ rising 81% since early October1, many pet owners are already worrying about the effects of fireworks on our pets.

So how do you help an anxious pooch during Bonfire Night?

Dog friendly holiday letting specialist, Canine Cottages, has teamed up with Natural Instinct’s Animal Behaviourist, Kirsten Dillon, veterinarian Jenny McKay, and Behaviour Consultant, Andrew Hale, at Pet Remedy to give the best tips on how to help your dog cope with the loud noise.

Why are dogs frightened of fireworks?

Our dog’s fear of fireworks come from a flight or fight response. The loud noise is unlike any natural sounds and is so loud that a dog’s initial reaction is usually to run. Fear can come in other behaviour, too. Dillon explains that “even yawning, excess shedding, panting and licking their mouths are signs of fear.”

Your dog might also show sign of stress, and not just fear. This can be tucking their tail between their legs, pacing or shaking, refusing food and low energy.

Though your dog isn’t afraid of you, they can show stress and fear by shying away from any contact you offer. It’s important to respect this boundary and try to be as gentle and kind to your pooch as you can.

Take your pooch for a walk in the daytime

To help settle your pooch and take them away from the bulk of the noise as much as possible, make sure to walk them in the daytime before any of the fireworks or bonfires begin. Letting your dog run off some steam in the day might also help keeping them a bit calmer in the evening, as leaving them inside all day can cause them further distress.

Calm your dog by shutting out the noise

Playing calming music and shutting your windows, drawing the curtains, and staying in one room with your dog might help them stay calm during the firework displays. As Hale explains “drawing the blinds will prevent dogs from seeing the fireworks displays, which helps them relax more.”

Making sure your dog is as comfortable as possible is key to keeping them calm, and as Dillon mentions “if your dog chooses to hide under your bed, it’s important to give them access to this” – the more you can do to keep your dog calm and comfortable, the better.

Keep calm for your pooch

It is imperative that you remain calm whilst the fireworks are going on, as showing negative and stressed behaviour can make your pooch even more anxious. McKay mentions the acronym “CATS”: meaning Close curtains and doors. Add music, allow your pooch some delicious Treats and let them find a Safe space.

By keeping calm while letting your dog find comfort, you are showing them there is nothing to be afraid of. There are medicines you can offer your pooch to keep them calm, but make sure to never self-medicate! Always consult a veterinarian first.

Familiarise your dog with the sound

Surprisingly, familiarising your dog with the sound of fireworks could lead to a calmer night. Get your dog accustomed to the noise of fireworks by playing the sound on a low volume for some weeks before bonfire night comes around. Dillon recommends pairing the noise with treats or playtime, so that they get familiarised with the sound “at a familiar level they can manage and start associate it with nice things.”

This way, the chance of them being scared is reduced, as you have familiarised them with the sound of fireworks. By keeping this going, you could potentially end up with a pooch that is way less stressed during the fireworks.

Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages said: “No one wants to see their dog struggling during bonfire night. We at Canine Cottages hope these tips will help preventing your dog, and any of your other animals, from suffering. The night is supposed to be a lovely time for all, so let us remember our pets, too!”