Fireworks night can be a source of excitement and joy for humans, but for your dogs, it can be a time of anxiety and fear. The loud and unpredictable noises can cause disorientation, stress, and even trauma for some dogs.
As a responsible dog owner, it is your duty to help ease their fears and keep them calm and comfortable during this time. In this blog post, we will share some effective tips on how to keep your dog calm and happy during fireworks night.
Desensitise Your Dog to Loud Bangs
One of the most effective ways to prepare your dog for fireworks night is to desensitise them to loud bangs. Start by playing recordings of fireworks sounds at low volumes and gradually increase the volume over several weeks. Pair the sounds with positive experiences such as playing, feeding treats, and giving praise.
Make sure your dog is well excercised during the day time to tire them out, also use mind activities for that extra stimulation before the fireworks begin.
Dog puzzles, an indoor agility course or a game of ‘find it’ with treats hidden are all great ways to get your dog’s brain into action.
Let’s Get Worn Out
Make sure your dog is well excercised during the day time to tire them out, also use mind activities for that extra stimulation before the fireworks begin.
Dog puzzles, an indoor agility course or a game of ‘find it’ with treats hidden are all great ways to get your dog’s brain into action.
Create a Safe Space
Create a calming and comfortable space for your dog to retreat to. This could be a quiet room with curtains or blinds drawn, bedding, toys, and even an item of your clothing, for reassurance. Avoid confining your dog, as this can increase their stress levels. Instead, allow them access to their safe space throughout the night, so they can come and go as they please.
Create a calming and comfortable space for your dog to retreat to. This could be a quiet room with curtains or blinds drawn, bedding, toys, and even an item of your clothing, for reassurance. Avoid confining your dog, as this can increase their stress levels. Instead, allow them access to their safe space throughout the night, so they can come and go as they please.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Don’t punish your dog for being anxious or afraid during fireworks night. This can make their fear worse and damage the bond between you and your pooch.
Rather, use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, verbal praise and affection to reassure them. if your dog does something that you don’t like, redirect their behaviour to something ore positive, such as playing with a dog or a dog puzzle for example.
Block out the noise of fireworks as much as possible. Close the windows, draw the curtains and turn on the TV or radio to mask the sound. Make sure your dog has been toileted before dark to avoid them having to go outside.
Some dogs also benefit from Happy Hoodies or Calming Coats.
Mask the Noise
Block out the noise of fireworks as much as possible. Close the windows, draw the curtains and turn on the TV or radio to mask the sound. Make sure your dog has been toileted before dark to avoid them having to go outside.
Some dogs also benefit from Happy Hoodies or Calming Coats.
Play Calming Music
Spotify, Amazon and YouTube have some great dog relaxation playlists available, use this in their safe space or in the living room with you.
Cortisol, a stress hormone in dogs, was significantly reduced at shelters when this music method was used, along with other improvements such as lower heart rates, fewer signs of separation anxiety, and helped with excessive barkers.
