Words from the Warm Welly Team

Top tips to keep your dog calm on bonfire night

Dogs and fireworks can be a scary combination. Pets can be frozen with fear or worse still, bolt in fear. We checked out information from the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust to find some top tips for bonfire night. 

 In 2021 RSPCA received 11,785 responses to a survey detailing fear responses. Around half of the dogs in the UK show signs of stress on bonfire night, and 69% of UK adults take measures to help relax or prepare pets for the fireworks.

Dogs and fireworks can be a scary combination. Pets can be frozen with fear or worse still, bolt in fear. We checked out information from the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust to find some top tips for bonfire night. 

 In 2021 RSPCA received 11,785 responses to a survey detailing fear responses. Around half of the dogs in the UK show signs of stress on bonfire night, and 69% of UK adults take measures to help relax or prepare pets for the fireworks.

So here are some ideas that you can try - to keep you and your dog happy on bonfire night:

• Plan ahead and make sure you have a safe space, a quiet area where they feel in control. Leave your dog alone when it goes into that safe space. 
• If you are using a crate, it’s a good idea to put blankets across the top to muffle sound even more. 
•  Training helps – so leave their favourite toys there, or chews (Kong’s are great for this). Keep them swapped around so dogs don’t get bored and prepare ahead of fireworks night so your dog is used to its safe space. 
•  Playing relaxing music is very common – and a massive hit – pardon the pun. 

 Here’s what the RSPCA recommends you do on bonfire night: 

• Walk your dog earlier in the day during daylight to avoid fireworks setting off early. 
•  Make sure your safe haven is prepared in advance.
• Close windows and curtains and make sure there are no flashes visible. 
•  Put music on or TV to mask fireworks 
•  Ignore firework noise yourself. 
•  Play with a toy and see if your dog wants to get involved – but don’t push it. 
• Never punish pets for bad behaviour as a reaction to fireworks.
• Make sure your dog is microchipped just incase he or she bolts. 

 Sounds Scary 

 We also looked at Sounds Scary which we spotted on the Dogs Trust website. It’s sound therapy that you can use to help your dog get used to new sounds.

 There are four tracks: whooshes and whistles, bangs and pops, full fireworks, and individual continuous sound fireworks. 

Why not download the Sounds Scary booklet here.   Alternatively, you can hear the sounds by clicking on this link