HOW TO HAVE A CALM AND HAPPY DOG ON BONFIRE NIGHT
Bonfire Night can be a scary time for your dog – but it doesn’t have to be. If you start your preparation early, you can help keep your dog calm and happy on Bonfire Night. This ensures your dog is in a relaxed state, ready for when the bangs start going off. Read our advice for the perfect preparation if your dog is anxious on Bonfire Night.
Desensitisation
In the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, introduce your dog to the sounds of fireworks in a controlled and gradual manner. There are a large array of firework soundtracks online or CDs you can use to help you acclimatise your dog to deal with fireworks. Start playing these recordings of fireworks at a very low volume, as background noise amongst the hubbub of family life.
Don’t forget to reward your dog with treats and praise for staying calm. Gradually increase the volume over time, helping your dog build tolerance to the noises.
Patience is key! If you start in early October and do this as a course of daily life, by the time the 5th November is upon us, your dog will be more used to any unusual sounds.
Block out the sounds
On the night, close windows, doors, and curtains to reduce the sound and bright flashes of light. Try turning on some soothing background music like Classic FM’s Pet Classics. This show is especially dedicated to keeping you and your pet relaxed during fireworks season. Catch it on the 2nd November 2024 between 5pm and 9pm.
Ignore the fireworks!
If your dog sees that fireworks don’t affect you, it could potentially reduce their anxiety as animals can detect if you’re acting out of the ordinary.
When your dog is scared, it’s very easy to want to get down on the floor and cuddle them. But constantly following or excessive attention might make them feel uneasy or puzzled. You can comfort your pet by engaging them with their preferred toy, but try to maintain your usual demeanour. Altering your behaviour excessively may heighten your dog’s anxiety.
We recommend going about your evening as you would any other night without fireworks! Watch some TV, invite a couple of calm friends over, engage in family activities. By going about life as you would normally, you’re physically showing your dog there is nothing to worry about. They will see that you’re not reacting, take your lead and settle down.
Make them a cosy area
Dogs are known to hide when they are afraid. Make sure that their favourite hiding places in other rooms are shut off. By doing this, you can ensure that you and your four-legged friend are together, and they can see that you’re calm.
Set up a cosy space for them in the room you are going to entertain yourself in and act normal. This could be a cosy corner, a crate covered with blankets, or even an indoor playpen. Make the space comfortable with their bed, some of their favourite toys, and perhaps an item of your clothing that carries your scent.
You can give them a stuffed Kong or a chew if they will take one – just remember to remove it as soon as they lose interest in it.
Tire them out
During the days of firework season, engage your dog in extra physical activity to help reduce their energy and anxiety levels. Be sure you’re home before it gets dark as that is when the fireworks will get started. If you are unable to get out for a walk during the day time, make time for playtime and mental stimulation puzzle toys to help tire them out and make them more relaxed in the evening.
Herbal remedies
Try putting between 3 and 6 drops of Bach’s Rescue Remedy for Pets (or similar) in your dog’s water bowl in the month leading up to bonfire night. If you have a small dog with a small water bowl, 3 drops should suffice. You can always add one more drop if it’s not making a difference. For a bigger dog with a bigger bowl, add 5 or 6 drops. A month of Rescue Remedy throughout October and continuing through until the fireworks stop blasting off will help take the edge off.
Wishing you a calm and happy dog on Bonfire Night!
Remember to be safe – don’t let your dog outside when fireworks are nearby, and don’t walk them in areas where displays are going off.
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