How to keep your dog calm during fireworks
Bonfire Night is a time for celebration, but for many pets, the loud, unpredictable bangs of fireworks and the general commotion can be a source of stress and anxiety. In this article our veterinary nurse, Vic, will help you recognise the potential signs of stress in your pet and share some top tips on how to get ready for Bonfire night to help support their well-being.
Understanding Stress in Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can experience stress, and it's important for pet owners to recognise the signs and their potential triggers. Stress can manifest in many ways so it’s important to monitor your dog to see if they exhibit any of these stress-related behaviours, especially during high-stress occasions such as Bonfire Night.
- Lowering their tail or keeping it tucked between their legs
- Panting excessively
- Shaking
- Pacing back and forth and unable to settle
- Licking their lips frequently and yawning
- Pin their ears back
- Exhibiting destructive behaviours like chewing furniture
- Showing aggression or fear
- Have stomach upsets or lack of appetite
Prolonged stress can lead to more serious behavioural and health problems, so it's vital to address their anxiety, especially during potentially stressful events like Bonfire Night.
How to calm dogs during Fireworks
The good news is there is lots you can do to help calm your dog during fireworks. Preparation is key to helping your dog cope with the loud noises and by taking a few simple steps, you can create a more comfortable environment for your dog.
- Walk your Dog Early: Exercise your dog early in the day, during daylight hours, to avoid any fireworks spooking them.
- Create a Safe Space: Designate a specific room or area in your home as your dog's ‘den’. This should be a place where they feel secure, such as a crate covered with a blanket or a comfortable corner of a room. Fill it with their favourite toys and a cosy bed. You should prepare this environment ahead of time so your dog gets used to this space.
- Soundproofing: During fireworks you can close all windows and curtains to help muffle the sound. Consider playing calming music or turning on the television to provide a familiar background noise that can help mask the loud bangs.
Maintain normal Routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so when possible try to keep their daily schedule as normal as possible. A sudden change in routine can add to their stress. - Calming Techniques: Stay with your dog to keep them company and try stroking or brushing them as this can have a soothing effect. However, pay close attention to your dog's body language; if they seem to be getting more agitated, give them space. You can also try games like ‘find it’ to distract them with positive reinforcement.
- Use a Dog Calming Product: For many dogs, the stress of fireworks requires more than just a safe space. This is where a proven pheromone diffuser for dogs, such as the Zenidog Gel Diffuser, can really help. These diffusers work by releasing a synthetic copy of the natural calming pheromones that mother dogs produce to reassure their puppies. By placing a pheromone diffuser in the room where your dog spends most of their time, you can create a more secure space to help reduce those stress-related behaviours. The Zenidog Gel Diffuser lasts up to 2 months and we’d recommend starting to use the gel diffuser at least a week before Bonfire Night to get the full benefit when the fireworks start.