How to help your dog during fireworks
Fireworks night can be scary for many animals, especially new puppies that haven’t experienced loud noises before. It’s important to be prepared.
We have put together a few tips to help:
Walk your dog during the day to avoid taking them outside at night when the fireworks begin
Stay home with your dog, so you can check they are okay and feel safe. Reassurance won’t reinforce your dog’s fear - so be there for them and if they are scared, give them a cuddle if they want it or, if they prefer, let them go to their safe space.
Set up a safe space for them to go if they want to - like a covered crate or a room with some music playing, you will know where they feel comfortable. Dogs Trust have put together a super quick and useful video on creating a safe space for dogs… https://youtu.be/5SqyFgrg1FE
Give them their favourite toys and items they enjoy - playing games releases positive chemicals in a dog's brain so this is a great thing to do if your dog is up for a game.
You could play music to cover up the firework sounds - Classic FM play songs on Fireworks evening especially to support soothing anxious dogs.
Did You Know: research has found reggae music has been proven to calm dogs? Why not find some Bob Marley tracks and give it a go with yours?!
Taiko drumming is also an effective sound to play - here’s a YouTube video of 10hrs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1czjURFkHh0
Create a safe space for your dogs to choose to go when they feel anxious - a covered crate in a darkened room is a great option.
If you have a new puppy that hasn’t yet experienced fireworks before, work on creating specific training sessions for several weeks before fireworks night. Why not check out Dogs Trust’s Sound Therapy in the link below…
If you are having particular difficulty with loud noises in general, be sure to talk to your vet. You could take part in behavioural therapy for sound via a qualified veterinary behaviourist as well as medication.
