15 crucial tips to keep your dog calm this firework season
With Bonfire Night only a week away, and celebrations likely to take place over the surrounding weekends, the local Dog Warden Team have shared advice on how to protect your four-legged friend.
Exercising and Toileting
- Walk dogs early
Firework shows often take place late in the evenings; by getting your dog out sooner it should reduce the risk of them being outside and hearing unexpected loud noises.
- Occupy dogs and overexercise
If possible, when taking your dog for a walk make it longer than usual and be sure to play with your pet to make them more tired and hopefully less reactive.
- Don’t let outside late at night
Try to avoid letting your dog out later in the evening for toileting as they will be particularly exposed to sounds and lights that they deem threatening. If this cannot be avoided, keep your dog on a lead even - in the garden.
Protective Measures
- Secure fencing and gates
If your dog manages to escape from the home, it is important that your garden space is secure to stop them running away and becoming lost.
- Close windows and doors
Similarly to making your garden space secure, make sure all windows and doors to the outside of your home are closed to ensure that your pet is unable to escape.
- Leave radios and TV on
To reduce a dog’s exposure to firework bangs, ensure there is always background noise from a radio or TV for to mask potential outside sounds.
- Leave lights on and close curtains
The flashing lights caused by fireworks can also result in stress response from dogs, keep lights on and close curtains to reduce this risk.
Comforting Techniques
- Remain calm and build den
Dogs are highly perceptive and will recognise if your mood has shifted or you are acting differently, it is important that you remain calm when fireworks start to reassure your pet. You can also go further and create a warm, enclosed, quiet space that your dog can retreat to if scared.
- Homeopathic remedies and lavender oil
If your dog is particularly bothered by fireworks there are natural methods help calm your dog. There are calming drops, collars, plug-in devices that can all support your dog, alternatively lavender oil on their bed, on blankets, or other comforters should help a dog’s stress levels.
- Buy interactive toys and high value treats
By occupying the dog and providing them with a toy that is particularly engaging, alongside a high value treat, should support the dog to become desensitised to any disruptions outside the home.
- Keep distance between young people and dogs
If you are recognising that a dog is becoming particularly stressed and/or reactive it is best to keep small children away from them. This not only protects the child from harm but ensures that the dog remains calm.
- Don’t leave dog alone
If your dog is left alone when fireworks begin it could increase the likelihood of them experiencing a stressed response. Stay with them, or someone they trust nearby, to keep them relaxed.
Professional Advice:
- Speak to vet
If it is evident that your dog is particularly stressed around Bonfire Night/fireworks, it may be best to speak to your vet. They may prescribe medication or recommend behavioural techniques to support you and your dog in future incidents.
- Keep collar and tag on
It is a legal requirement that your dog wears a collar with a tag on it, highlighting your contact details in case your dog does get spooked and runs away. It is important that your dog is microchipped and that these details are kept up to date too.
- Call Dog Wardens as soon as possible
In the upsetting instance that you do lose your dog, call the Dog Warden Team as soon as possible on 01905 822799.
Pip Griffin, Senior Dog Warden for Worcestershire Regulatory Services, has said: “At this time of year, we usually see an uptick in the number of dogs that go missing across the Worcestershire area.
“There are simple changes that individuals or families can make to protect their pet, but our most valuable advice is that owners ensure their dog has its collar and tag on to support us to reunite them with their loved ones.”