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How to Help Dogs on Bonfire Night

Fireworks can be great fun and a source of joy for many people, as the darker nights start to set in and festivities such as Bonfire Night roll around. But for dogs, the loud, unpredictable sounds of fireworks and bonfires can trigger anxiety.

DOGS ON BONFIRE NIGHT

If your pup is one of the many that suffers from noise anxiety, Bonfire Night can be a distressing time for both you and them. Discover more about noise anxiety for your furry friend below and learn how to help dogs on Bonfire Night in order to make them feel calm and safe.

What is Noise Anxiety in Dogs

Noise anxiety in dogs is an intense fear or distress caused by loud or sudden sounds like thunderstorms, sirens, or most commonly around Bonfire Night – fireworks. Dogs have a much sharper sense of hearing than humans, which makes them more sensitive to the booms, cracks, and whistles of fireworks. These loud noises can lead to increased heart rates, panting, pacing, and even destructive behaviour, which are all signs of noise anxiety in your furry friend. 

Noise aversion can partly be influenced by the breed, age and sex of your dog. So if you’re not yet a dog owner or you’re looking to add another furry friend to the family, this might be something you want to consider when thinking about how to choose your next dog breed

Bonfire Night can be particularly overwhelming because the fireworks are often unpredictable and last for extended periods. For dogs on Bonfire Night, this sensory overload can leave them feeling confused and scared, which is why it’s important to take steps to soothe them during the festivities.

“For dogs the loud, unpredictable sounds of fireworks and bonfires can trigger anxiety.”

Why do Fireworks Scare Dogs on Bonfire Night?

The nature of fireworks as loud, sudden, and unpredictable makes them a major trigger for dogs with noise anxiety. This is why Bonfire Night for dogs can be particularly overwhelming as fireworks often last for extended periods. Unlike everyday sounds, fireworks are unexpected and can seem like a threat to a dog. The crackling and booming noises are impossible for them to predict or understand, which often leads to panic. Some dogs may run, hide, or try to escape, while others might bark, whine, or even become destructive in an attempt to deal with their fear.

Noise anxiety can also intensify over time. If your dog has had a difficult experience during a past Bonfire Night, they may grow even more fearful as the next one approaches. Knowing how to help your four-legged friend on Bonfire Night is essential for keeping them safe and calm. 

Ways to Help Dogs on Bonfire Night

If your dog struggles on Bonfire Night, here are some practical steps to help them feel more comfortable.

Create a Safe Space

Designate a quiet room or corner where your dog can retreat to on Bonfire Night. You can fill it with their favourite blankets, toys, and bedding to make it a cosy and familiar environment that they feel safe and secure in. Additionally, this safe space should be away from windows to help block out the sound and flashes of fireworks. 

Use Calming Aids

There are a variety of calming aids designed specifically for dogs that can help reduce anxiety. Products like calming collars, diffusers, and sprays with pheromones can make a big difference for dogs on Bonfire Night. You might also consider anxiety wraps or jackets. These wraps or jackets apply gentle pressure to your dog and can have a calming effect.

Mask the Noise

You can try to drown out the sound of fireworks by playing white noise, soft music, or even the television at a reasonable volume. This can help distract your dog on Bonfire Night from the startling sounds outside. Classical music is known to have a soothing effect on dogs, so this could be a good option for you to consider playing – even better if you have an affinity for it too!

Use Distractions

Giving your dog something to focus on can help divert their attention from the fireworks. Try offering a puzzle toy or a long-lasting chew treat. The mental engagement can help reduce stress and keep them occupied while fireworks are going off.

Stay Calm and Offer Reassurance

Your dog can pick up on your emotions, so try to remain calm and composed during the fireworks. If you show signs of stress, it might heighten your dog’s anxiety. Speak to them in a gentle, reassuring voice and offer comforting physical contact like petting or snuggling, but don’t overdo it to the point that they sense something is wrong.

Desensitisation

For long-term relief, desensitisation training can be a great tool. Getting your pup used to loud and sudden noises can help them to be more relaxed when there’s fireworks.

Desensitisation training involves playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increasing the sound over time while rewarding your dog for staying calm. This helps your furry friend to become accustomed to the sound of fireworks but in a controlled, non-threatening environment. This type of training can work especially well when you’re training a puppy as you can nip any noise anxiety problems in their early stages.

Consult Your Vet

In cases of severe anxiety or if you’re worried about your dog before Bonfire Night, you can consult a member of our team and we would be more than happy to arrange a consultation or simply offer some advice. In certain cases, anti-anxiety medications or other treatments can be recommended that can help calm your dog and make the night more manageable. Please make sure you contact a member of our team, before giving your dog any medications.

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