Tips to prepare your dog for fireworks
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Just because you enjoy a firework display, the odds are that your dog won’t!
The firework season gets longer and longer. Fireworks go on sale from 15th October to 10th November, then 26th – 31st December, plus Diwali and Chinese New Year.
The firework season starts with Halloween and goes on to January with festivals such as Guy Fawkes night and Diwali. Chrismas and New Years’ eve
Whilst you and your family may enjoy the bangs, pops and fizzes, it is essential to remember that pets and wild animals have different opinions and can even be traumatised.
Remember that dogs’ hearing is far more sensitive than ours, so they sound far louder.
Below are some of my top tips to help your pet deal with fireworks
Get a plug-in diffuser.
You can purchase diffusers such as Pet Remedy, which emits a calming spray. Try plugging these around the house approximately six weeks before firework night.
Get out during the day with the dog.
If like me, you tend to go out later in the evening with your dogs, I suggest slowly getting them used to going out earlier. Certainly, before it darkens, you can avoid being outside when the pops and bangs start. Dogs can get easily spooked by sudden bangs, even if they do not seem scared of fireworks.
It may even be worth getting help walking them during the day. This could be a friend, neighbour or professional dog walker.
Provide your pet with a safe den
Create a safe space to help your dog cope during the firework season. My dogs head for the bathroom when the fireworks start because it is in the middle of the flat and has no windows. As a result, I moved their food and water bowls into the bathroom, along with an old jumper and some smelly socks that had my scent on them. I also gave them their favourite toy. As a result, if they feel stressed, they head for their bathroom den during the firework season.
In short, let your dog decide where they feel safest and then make it into a den for them. This may well be their crate. If it is, then making sure it is not near a window or door will help.
Draw the curtains
Before it gets dark, go around the house and make sure all the windows and doors are closed, pull down/close the blinds and draw the curtains. This will help muffle the sound and block out all the flashing lights.
Make some noise
Try putting classical music on the radio to help drown the bangs and whistles. If you have Amazon Prime and Alexa, you could consider playing “Through a dog’s ear” or looking at the skill “calm my dog.”
Classic FM has played calming dog music for the last couple of years on 5th November.
Have a night in front of the TV with your best friend
You mustn’t leave your pet alone when fireworks go off, especially on the actual firework night. Staying at home with your dog and playing games will distract them from the fireworks.
If your dog is left at home alone during this scary and challenging period, it is likely to become stressed and possibly even destructive.
Would you please give them a treat
Like many humans, when they are feeling down or stressed, a nice bar of chocolate or something can make a big difference. This is the same with pets. Please do not give them chocolate as it is dangerous, but a stuffed kong or similar can make a big difference.
Ensure they have up-to-date ID
If your dog or cat does get spooked and runs away, they must have an up-to-date ID tag and microchip so they can be quickly reunited.
Do Not punish or scold him for his fear reaction.
Your dog may be acting strangely or trying to access places he is not usually allowed. This is due to fear, so you mustn’t punish him for out-of-character behaviour.
General firework safety
If you are purchasing fireworks, please follow the firework code and ensure they are stored in a robust and secure box and well out of the reach of dogs.
You must check your garden every morning during October and November before letting them out for a comfort break. Check for any fallen rockets, as they may still contain some of the chemicals which will be harmful. The sticks themselves from the fireworks can also be dangerous.