Four things pet owners should do now to protect their dogs on Bonfire Night
Woodgreen Pets Charity have shared four things they've urged all pet owners to do ahead of Bonfire Night as a way to protect their dogs and cats from the loud fireworks
As Bonfire Night (Wednesday, November 5) is just around the corner, there are some things pet owners can start doing now in order to help prepare and protect their dogs from getting scared by the loud fireworks.
However, many pet owners will be aware of the amount of stress and freight that often overcomes our furry friends while the fireworks are happening. This is usually because of the loud, unpredictable noises, and flashing lights, which trigger their instinctual "fight-or-flight" response. Animals' hearing are usually more sensitive than humans', so the booms can be physically painful, and the sudden, random nature of the explosions is confusing and threatening to them, leading to panic and anxiety.
Some signs that your dog or cat might be stressed or scared of the fireworks include whining, barking, or even crying, according to the Dog Trust. However, they might not always have a vocal response, as other common signs include being more clingy than usual, excessive panting or drooling, having their tail between their legs, or finding somewhere to hide or run away from the loud and sudden noises
Luckily, there are some thing that us as pet owners can do in order to help protect our pets ahead of Bonfire Night, as there are some things you can start doing now in order to prepare your dog for the fireworks on Bonfire Night.
"Before fireworks start, do these four things to help your dog," a woman from Woodgreen Pets Charity said in a TikTok video, before sharing her tips on how to keep your pets calm and safe while the fireworks are going off.
Prepare the dog
If you have some days to prepare for the fireworks, the woman urged pet owners to start preparing your pup now in order to make them familiar with the noises of fireworks.
"Start now, play fireworks sounds when your dog is having their dinner, or is chewing on a chew," she said. "That way, they'll start to link the firework noises with nice things and being calm."
Prepare your home
Next up, she went on to recommend to draw the curtains to block out the pop the TV on, or to pop some music on for when the fireworks are starting.
"That will help to kind of dampen the sound, and help your dog stay a bit calmer," she said.
If they seem unbothered, the Dog Trust also recommend to keep your dog busy, such as playing with them while the fireworks are happening in order to distract them. Just make sure to try to stay calm yourself, as dogs are really good at sensing and mirroring our own fear and anxiety.
Allow them to get comforted
For the third tip, she went on to say: "If your dog panics, it's absolutely okay to reassure them, to comfort them. It's not gonna make their fear any worse."
However, if your dog is trying to hide form the noises, you should let them hid, as that might be the best option to make them feel better about the situation.
But if your dog happens to make a mess or does something you don't want due to their fear, avoid telling them off, as this might make them more scared, according to the Dog Trust.
Take earlier walks before fireworks
Finally, they went on to say that you might want to change up your normal walking routines and take them out on their evening walk a bit earlier in order to get back home before the fireworks are starting.
"When you take them out for walks, go earlier in the day before dusk if there are likely to be fireworks going off," she said.
She then added: "And also make sure that their tag and their microchip details are up to date - just in case anything happens."
If you know that your dog, or another pet, always panics when fireworks are going off, the Dog Trusts also recommend to speak to your vet, as they might help you and your dog more.