Keeping Dogs and Puppies Calm Around Fireworks and Bonfire Night

With bonfire night just around the corner, it’s important to be prepared. Over 50% of dogs are scared by fireworks and overcoming the fear is not just a quick fix.

 

What can you do?

🫶 Be kind. If they seek comfort, offer them reassurance - you cannot reinforce fear, it is an emotion not a behaviour. Some dogs may prefer no attention, and that’s ok too, give them space and comfort only when they ask.

🏠 Do not leave your dog at home alone. Stay with them and be there for reassurance.

🌤️ Walk early in the day before it gets dark.

🔐 Ensure your garden and home is fully secure. Dogs can go into flight mode when scared. If they need to go to toilet after dark, pop them on a lead in the garden just to be extra safe. Also ensure your dog is wearing a legally compliant tag and is microchipped, with all details up to date.

🛖 Build a den. Make their favourite spot extra cosy. Use blankets or cardboard sheets to make a safe space that is dark and muffles sounds. A crate with the door open can work really well (never shut them in the crate if they are scared). Set up in advance so they have time to get used to it first.

🪟 Close the curtains and doors to minimise flashing.

🎵 Put on the TV or radio to muffle sounds. There are some good playlists on Spotify, like the Battersea Calming Classical for Dogs, and Classic FM have partnered with the RSPCA to provide an annual radio show to help pets relax during fireworks season.

👅 Use products that encourages licking like KONGs and LickiMats. Licking and chewing slows a dog's heart rate, supresses adrenaline and releases feel good hormones like dopamine, helping to sooth and relax dogs.

👃 Use scent products like ADAPTIL calm diffuser and calming spray, which provide appeasing smells to reassure and relax your dog. Adaptil uses a synthetic version of a natural pheromone secreted by a mother dog after the birth of her puppies to comfort, reassure, and bond with them. You can also use aromatherapy product like PetRemedy, which uses essential oils and herbs to help calm their nervous system.

🩺 If you feel that the severity of your dogs fear is too much, speak with your vet in advance, who can prescribe medication for severe cases. Each dog is different and what works for one dog, may not work for another. Your vet will help determine what is most suitable for for your dog.