How to help your dog with firework anxiety
The way that dogs react to fireworks can vary massively. I had one dog that would happily sit and watch fireworks, not bothered by the loud bangs or the smell of smoke. I have also experienced life with dogs that are so terrified they will literally try to dig through a concrete floor to hide from them, shaking for days afterwards. You will find many articles on how to help your dog with anxiety around fireworks – unfortunately it is something that can’t always be avoided so learning ways to help your pet to cope is the best strategy.
At this time of year fireworks are difficult to avoid. In the UK, you can’t set off fireworks in a public place or between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., with exceptions for Bonfire Night (cut-off is midnight), New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year (cut-off is 1 a.m.). You must be 18 or over to buy and use fireworks. You can only buy them at specific times of the year from registered sellers unless they have a special license. Although large fireworks events do tend to advertise well in advance which can help you to be prepared, there is always the chance that a neighbour could set them off in their back garden without notice.
There are several things you may be able to try as a dog owner to minimise risks to your pet during the fireworks season. So, how can you help a dog with firework anxiety?
Try to exercise during daylight hours
Walking during daylight hours is preferential most of the time anyway but as the nights close in it can be a struggle to fit everything in before the sun goes down. If you must walk as the light is fading around fireworks night it is recommended to keep your dog on a lead and ensure they have an ID tag and their microchip details are up to date in case they do get spooked by a bang.
Create a calm environment at home
There are simple ways to comfort your pet at home. Draw the curtains, turn on the radio or tv for background noise and make sure they have a ‘safe’ space to withdraw to if they need to. Classic FM often have a pet playlist at this time of year which makes great background noise.
Be aware of your pet’s reaction to anxiety
All pets are different. Learning how your pet reacts to anxiety and having the tools to deal with this year-round can help you when you come across particularly stressful moments. If you would like to learn more about tools to help your pet cope you could speak to your trusted vet or an accredited behaviourist for further information.
Recommended calming products for anxiety
There are a range of products on the market which are developed to help with anxiety caused by fireworks from pheromone diffusers to weighted vests and recordings of loud bangs to be used to desensitise your dog. Whilst some of these can be helpful, what works for one dog may not necessarily help another. Don’t be disheartened if the wonderful gadget that helps a friend’s dog does nothing to calm yours.
And if all else fails you could book yourself a holiday in a remote rural location over the 5th of November and hope you miss the worst of it! Staying in a cosy cottage in the middle of nowhere, curling up with your pup on the sofa in front of an open fire, plenty of movies and snacks is most certainly not to be sniffed at. Who needs a tropical beach anyway!
How to help your dog with firework anxiety. Author: Sara Boyes, Senior Marketing Manager at BSB Products
