I have had many clients telling me that they’re dreading bonfire night and asking me for advice about how they can help their dogs/cats cope with the fireworks so I thought it would be an ideal subject for my latest blog.
Fireworks season can be a very stressful time for many pets…It is not just the loud booms and bangs of the fireworks which can send them into a frenzy but also the smell of them, as well as the vibrations in the air and bright lights in the sky.
Unfortunately, the anxiety isn’t just isolated to one night either, as the festivities can go on for weeks. However, with a bit of planning, preparation and consideration, there are several ways in which owners can help their pets to cope with the upset.
Top Firework Season Survival Tips
- An excellent way to prepare is to use a socialisation CD that includes the sounds of fireworks so that when real fireworks are heard, your pet is more likely to remain calm and relaxed. In the days leading up to fireworks season, play the sounds quietly for short periods of time, gradually increasing the volume and duration.
- Many pets like to hide when they hear fireworks as this helps them cope with their fear. You can help your pet by making sure they have a comforting ‘den’ somewhere quiet, such as behind a sofa, with old pillows and blankets to help soundproof the area. You could place some of your pet’s favourite toys in the ‘den’ and also a piece of clothing that smells of you.
- Distraction could be the key. Try leaving the radio or TV on louder than usual to drown out the noises outside.
- Make sure your pets are inside when fireworks are being let off. If you have a cat/kitten, keep cat flaps locked and close all the windows, doors and curtains to make them feel safe and drown out some of the noise.
- If your pet is a dog, it might be a good idea to give him/her a good walk with lots of chances to sniff, explore and burn off some energy just before dusk. Not only will you be avoiding fireworks prime time, but it will also give your dog a chance to relieve him/herself, as s/he may be too scared to go into the garden later on. A tiring walk will also make them sleepier and relaxed in the evening.
- You could also give your dog a stuffed Kong filled with tasty treats to take his/her mind off what’s going on outside – this could be a combination of his/her favourite dog biscuits, cheese, ham and hot dog sausage.
- If you know that your dog is terrified of fireworks, it may be worth investing in the help of a qualified behaviourist to tackle the problem. You could speak to your vet about your concerns and they could perhaps refer you to a suitable behaviourist. Visit the website of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (www.apbc.org.uk) to find out more about the role of the behaviourists and how they can help.
- Although it is tempting, do not comfort or reassure your pets as this has the unintended effect of reinforcing their behaviour. It is better to behave normally yourself, demonstrating that there is nothing to be afraid of. Similarly, never punish your pets – it is not their fault that they are scared and it will add to their anxiety. This is especially important if they accidentally toilet in the house through fear.
Useful products that may help to ease anxious dogs’ fears of fireworks
Pet Remedy
Pet remedy is a natural and clinically proven blend of valerian based essential oils which help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets, and works with the pet’s own natural calming mechanisms. It will also help with separation anxiety, travel, and any other stressful situations for your pets, and it starts to work within minutes. Available from your vet and local pet shops including Pets at Home. Also online at www.petremedy.co.uk
Adaptil Collar
This is easy and convenient to use. It releases synthetic dog pheromones, which help the dog to feel safe and secure, as his body temperature warms the collar. The range of Adaptil products also includes a diffuser and spray. For more information visit www.adaptil.com
Woof and Brew Healthy Tonic
With a blend of herbs including lavender, devil’s claw and skullcap, this tonic from Woof and Brew calms your dog down naturally; simply add to his food or water. For more information visit www.woofandbrew.com
TTouch Body Wrap
Body wraps help give confidence to nervous dogs by applying gentle pressure. They should fit comfortably, not tightly, and should not affect the dog’s movement. For more information visit www.tilleyfarmshop.com
Nupafeed
Help your dog manage stress with Stress-Less, containing Nupafeed’s unique MAH magnesium which helps to prevent anxiety naturally, allowing your dog to overcome firework fears without the use of drowsy ingredients. No herbs or L-tryptophan. Priced at £18 for 100 tablets or 100ml liquid, or £32 for 200 tablets or 200ml liquid. For further information visit www.nupafeed-dogs.co.uk
Vetspec Calm & Focused
This is a specialist canine supplement formulated by experienced nutritionists to help improve a dog’s concentration and obedience and help with fear of loud noises, strangers, travelling and separation anxiety. It contains scientifically proven ingredients including tryptophan – a natural precursor of serotonin and the yeast products FOS and MOS to help maintain a healthy gut environment. It is wheat gluten free with full traceability of all ingredients. For free nutritional advice please call 01845565030 or visit www.vetspec.co.uk
Beaphar Calming Spot On
A single application of this natural spot on, containing valerian extract, is said to calm your dog for up to one week – ideal for helping him/her to feel less apprehensive during the fireworks season. For more information visit www.beaphar.co.uk
Pooch & Mutt Calm & Relaxed Treats
These tasty, natural treats contain lamb, chamomile and l-tryptophan. Chamomile aids relaxation while l-tryptophan helps the dog’s body to form serotonin – the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. For more information visit www.poochandmutt.com
BONFIRE NIGHT DON’TS!
Don’t assume that your garden is secure and escape proof. A scared dog may try to run away as s/he has no idea where the loud noises are coming from. This means that it is also important to make sure that your dog has an ID tag on his collar and, as the law states, is microchipped.
Don’t use Bonfire Night as a training opportunity to make your dog face up to his fear of loud noises – this will only make things worse.
Don’t take your dog to a fireworks display – even dogs who have had no problem with them before, may suddenly become terrified in such close proximity.
Spot the Signs
Sometimes it can be easy to tell when a dog is upset by fireworks, but there are also some subtle signs that you need to look out for, which may indicate that your dog is becoming stressed:
Panting,Lip licking, Pacing, Shaking, Yawning, Growling, Salivating, No appetite.