How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night can be exciting for many of us, but for our dogs, it often means one thing: stress. The loud noises, bright lights, and unfamiliar scents can make the night a nightmare for dogs, leaving them feeling anxious and unsettled. As dog owners, we want to make sure our furry friends feel as safe and calm as possible. Here are some effective strategies to help you keep your dog comfortable during the festivities.
1. Take Your Dog for a Long Walk Before Fireworks Begin
Exercise is one of the best ways to help your dog handle stress. Take them for a longer than usual walk early in the day before fireworks are set off. This helps them burn off extra energy and may even leave them tired and more relaxed by the evening. Plus, getting them outside while it’s still daylight reduces the chances of an unexpected firework startling them.
2. Create a Safe Space Indoors
A cosy, familiar environment can be incredibly comforting for dogs during stressful times. Set up a quiet corner or safe space in your home, such as a crate or their favourite room, filled with soft bedding, blankets, and perhaps a piece of your clothing to offer them your scent. Having a familiar retreat where they feel safe and secure can make a huge difference when the loud noises begin.
3. Close the curtains and blinds.
Bright flashes from fireworks can be as unsettling as the sounds. Close curtains and blinds to block out these sudden, startling lights. Keeping your dog in a dimly lit room may also help them feel a little safer by reducing visual stimuli.
4. Drown Out the Firework Noise
Background noise can help mask the sound of fireworks, making it less jarring for your dog. Try playing some calming music or turning on the TV. Certain music, like classical or soft, slow tunes, is especially effective in calming pets. There are even dog-specific playlists and white noise machines designed to help soothe them.
5. Use calming aids.
Many pet owners find success using calming aids on Bonfire Night. Products like Adaptil diffusers release synthetic pheromones that mimic the scent a mother dog would naturally emit to soothe her puppies. Anxiety wraps or Thunder-shirts, which gently apply pressure around a dog’s torso, can also help reduce anxiety. Another option is natural calming treats with ingredients like chamomile and valerian root, but always consult with your vet to find the best fit.
6. Distract Them with Toys or Treats
Keeping your dog mentally occupied can help them focus on something other than the fireworks. Offer them a puzzle toy, a long-lasting chew, or a frozen treat to keep them engaged. Not only does this provide distraction, but chewing and licking can be inherently calming for dogs.
7. Stay calm and positive.
Our dogs are sensitive to our emotions, and they look to us for cues on how to feel. If you’re anxious, they’re likely to pick up on that and feel more stressed themselves. Stay calm and act as if everything is normal. Avoid making too much of a fuss or trying to over comfort them, as this can reinforce their anxious behaviour. Instead, be calm and reassuring, so they understand there’s nothing to fear.
8. Don’t Leave Them Alone
If possible, stay home with your dog on Bonfire Night. Being alone can amplify their anxiety. Your presence can be extremely comforting, helping them feel safe and secure even amidst the noise. If you have to be out, see if a friend or family member can stay with them or arrange for a trusted pet sitter who knows your dog’s needs.
9. Consider desensitisation (for future bonfire nights).
Desensitisation is a long-term strategy to help your dog become less fearful of fireworks over time. This involves gradually exposing your dog to fireworks sounds at a very low volume and rewarding calm behaviour. Over time, as they get used to the sounds, you can increase the volume slowly. While this won’t work overnight, it can be a valuable tool if you start training months in advance of firework season.
10. Explore Calming Scents
Some scents, like lavender and chamomile, can be soothing for dogs, but it’s essential to use them safely. Try placing a small amount of diluted lavender essential oil (in a pet-safe diffuser, never directly on your pet) in the room where your dog is resting. Be sure to research safe practices and consult your vet before introducing any new scents.
11. Talk to your vet if needed.
If your dog has severe anxiety, it might be worth consulting your veterinarian. They can recommend anti-anxiety medications or other treatments that can help reduce extreme stress. Your vet can help guide you toward the best option tailored to your dog’s specific needs, especially if other strategies aren’t enough.
Fireworks may be fun for us, but for our dogs, they’re often a source of fear and confusion. By taking these steps to reduce noise, create a safe space, and provide calming support, you can help ease your dog’s stress and make Bonfire Night more manageable. While every dog is different, experimenting with these approaches can give you insight into what works best for your furry friend.
With a bit of planning and care, you can help make Bonfire Night a calmer experience for both you and your dog.
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