Most dogs don’t like fireworks. Even those dogs trained to endure loud noises, like gun dogs, can get jumpy and anxious in the run up to Bonfire Night.
Every year dogs, along with many other animals, experience fear and confusion, sometimes alone when their owners are away enjoying an organised bonfire. It is not unusual for dogs to run away or escape from the home when they’re frightened by fireworks, so one of the most important things a dog owner can do in preparation for the fireworks is to check, double check and treble check the security of the garden. Don’t assess it on whether a person could possibly escape, think more about whether a very stressed, motivated, physically impressive canine could make a break. Dogs go missing around fireworks night; make sure yours isn’t one of them.
Get your dog microchipped in case they do find their way out, an un-microchipped dog is a lost dog! A microchip is an extra safety measure for your dog, but is no replacement for a collar and tag. Make sure he/she is wearing a collar which has your current contact details on it (this is requirement by law!), should the microchip fail, having your name and contact details on the collar will be one more safe guard of getting your pet back safely.
For best effects to prevent fear and anxiety around Bonfire Night (and any other night where fireworks are likely to occur), you should start anxiety training well in advance. Talk to your vet about pheromone diffusers. These disperse calming chemicals into the room and may be a good option for your dog, in some cases your vet may even prescribe medication. If either of these options are used, they should be used in conjunction with behavioural therapy. We would recommend asking your vet to refer you to a clinical animal behaviourist or using CD’s with scary sounds to desensitise the dog to loud sudden noises. Gradually increase the frequency and volume over several months on the run up to Bonfire Night.
Set up a “doggy den” or play room. Fill it with toys and things to keep your dog busy. A covered crate filled with blankets, so he/she has somewhere to go to feel safe and secure. Make sure you have something to do too so you can stay with them, turn the TV on and turn it up to muffle any loud bangs from outside, do the hoovering, turn on the radio. Do not comfort your pets distressed behaviour as it will only reinforce their behaviour and confirm to them that they have something to be scared of.
With Bonfire Night just a few days away, you may think, is it too late? It’s never too late to implement at least some of the help in this article.
Here are some tips to help your dog get through the firework season:
- Make sure your dog has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example, this could be a covered crate, or the cupboard under the stairs.
- During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep them indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
- At nightfall, close windows and curtains and put on music or the TV to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.
- If your dog shows any signs of fear, try to ignore their behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves.
- Never punish or fuss over your dog when it is scared as this will only make things worse in the long run.
- Make sure your dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise.
- Make sure they are wearing a tagged collar at all times and have them microchipped in case they do escape.
- If your dog lives outside, bring them in for the evening. If it is not possible to bring outside dogs into the house, then covering up their kennels/shelter with blankets to muffle the sound and hide bright lights will all help.