While Bonfire Night is a fun and exciting experience for some people and families, it can be a dreaded time for those of us with pets.
As someone with an anxious dog, I have taken some time to put together my top tips for preparing your furry friend for the lead-up to the fireworks on November 5th.
Create a Safe Space
Set up a quiet, dark, secure and safe space for you pet to tuck themselves away into for when the fireworks start.
This could be a room or a crate they feel comfortable in. Use cosy blankets, bedding or whatever your pet feels most comfortable in. Having their favourite toy or chew on hand can help them feel more relaxed.
Desensitise Beforehand
Desensitisation involves gradually exposing your pet to the sound of fireworks in a calm and controlled environment. You can find firework audios online that you can begin to play at low volumes and reward any calm behaviour with high-value training treats, calm play or gentle pets.
Over time you can slowly increase the sound. Doing this in the weeks and months leading up to Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, etc., can help your pet to build tolerance to these scary noises.
Use Calming Music & Sounds
Playing calm music, white noise, or even just the sound of your TV can help comfort your pet and drown out some of the bangs from fireworks.
You can access specialised playlists on YouTube to help reduce stress and anxiety by playing consistent and soothing sounds for pets on Bonfire Night.
Calming Ear Protectors or Thundershirts
These snug-fitting ear protectors or body wraps can help your pet feel more safe and secure. Ear protectors are like a scarf that fits snuggly over your pet’s head, covering their ears and applying comforting pressure to their head.
Similarly, the ThunderShirt applies gentle pressure to the dog’s body, similar to swaddling a baby, which can give your dog a feeling of security and a calming effect.
Natural Calming Aids
If your pet really struggles with the loud noises of fireworks, consider a natural supplement such as CBD oil, calming chews or pheromone diffusers (e.g. Adaptil).
These options can naturally support your pet’s anxiety. However, I would always recommend consulting your vet before introducing any new supplements.
Consult Your Vet
Whilst these are all great options for helping your pet with their stress and anxiety, for some pets, the fear can be overwhelming. If your pet is severely struggling then I would suggest a trip to your vet for advice.
It can be distressing to see your pet upset or scared, but by combining these strategies, you can help your pet feel more at ease during stressful times, such as through fireworks displays.
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