How to Help Your Dog Survive the Fireworks Season
Introduction
During the fireworks season, our beloved canine companions can experience stress from loud bangs, bright lights, and sudden noises. This guide explores advice and practical tips to help your dog navigate fireworks season.
Understanding Dogs and Fireworks
Dogs often find fireworks terrifying due to sensory overload caused by the loud bangs, high-pitched whistles, flashes, and bright lights.
Why the RSPCA is raising awareness for change with their #BangOutOfOrder campaign.
The #BangOutOfOrder campaign highlights the negative impact of fireworks on pets, horses, and livestock. Fireworks can cause distress, injury, and even death among these animals. In 2021, the campaign collected nearly 11,785 reports of animals in distress due to fireworks. Most reports stemmed from private, unannounced displays, making it difficult for pet owners and neighbours to prepare. The campaign advocates for changes in fireworks regulations to protect animals and reduce their distress.
The RSPCA's Proposed Changes:
Limiting firework sales and usage for Bonfire Night (from October 29th to November 5th).
Implementing firework control zones to safeguard vulnerable individuals and animals.
Introducing a licensing system for fireworks, requiring training courses for purchasers.
Reducing the maximum noise level of fireworks for public sale from 120dB to 90dB.
For additional details about the campaign, please visit this link: RSPCA Fireworks Campaign.
Preparing for Fireworks Season
Preparing well in advance of fireworks events is crucial. Here are some steps:
Create a Safe Haven: Create a comfortable indoor haven for your dog by drawing the curtains shut, and employ white noise or soothing music to help alleviate the noise from fireworks (Classic FM's Pet Classics or Reggae music are both reported effective options).
Desensitisation: Gradually expose your dog to fireworks sounds in a controlled manner to acclimatise them.
Try These Tips:
Start early
Gradually introduce sounds
Reward calm behaviour
Increase sound slowly
Use positive associations
Show muted fireworks videos
Stay calm and consistent
Real-life exposure
Seek professional help if needed
Prepare a safe space during fireworks
Safety and Identification
To ensure your dog's safety:
ID Tags and Microchipping: Ensure your dog wears an identification tag and has a microchip. This is essential to prevent loss during anxiety-inducing moments.
Avoid Punishment: Never scold or punish your dog for being scared. This can increase their anxiety and make the situation worse.
Exercise and Distraction
Daytime Exercise: Keep your dog active during daylight hours, but refrain from walks during fireworks displays.
Create a Den: Create a secure, enjoyable den for your dog. Visit for cuddles and treats. Include blankets or an old duvet for digging. Add your unwashed clothing for comfort. Encourage regular use and provide a water bowl, as agitated dogs may get thirsty.
Nutritional Support and Comfort
Carbohydrate-Rich Meal: Consider offering your dog a carbohydrate-rich meal (such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes) in the afternoon before a nearby fireworks display (unless your dog has a history of diarrhoea). It can help promote a sense of calm. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially if your pet is on medication.
Comfort and Reassurance: If possible, stay with your dog during the fireworks. Your presence can be very reassuring. If your dog is receptive, offer comforting words and gentle strokes to ease their anxiety. Remember to praise them when they display calm behaviour.
Calming Products
Pheromone diffusers are designed to release synthetic, man-made pheromones that mimic the natural calming pheromones emitted by dogs. These synthetic pheromones are intended to create a sense of comfort and security. When used in the vicinity of a dog, such as in their living space, pheromone diffusers can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. This can be especially beneficial during situations that typically trigger anxiety in dogs, like fireworks or separation from their owners.
Calming supplements for dogs are specially formulated products designed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. They come in various forms, including chews, tablets, and liquids. These supplements typically contain ingredients thought to have calming properties, such as chamomile, valerian root, and L-theanine. When administered according to the recommended dosage, calming supplements can help dogs feel more at ease in stressful situations, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or separation anxiety. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements to ensure they are safe and suitable for your pet’s specific needs.
Thundershirts are specialised vests designed for dogs to help alleviate anxiety and stress. These vests work by providing gentle, constant pressure to your dog's body, which can have a calming effect, similar to the comfort a baby experiences when swaddled. Thundershirts are particularly popular for dogs that become anxious during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other stressful situations. The idea behind Thundershirts is based on the concept of "pressure therapy" or "deep touch pressure," which has been known to have a soothing effect on both humans and animals. When worn correctly, Thundershirts can help reduce anxiety-related behaviours in dogs, such as excessive barking, panting, or pacing. It's important to ensure that you choose the right size Thundershirt for your dog, as a proper fit is essential for it to be effective. While Thundershirts can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety in dogs, they may not work for every dog, and it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog behaviourist for a comprehensive approach to managing your dog's anxiety.
Prescription Medication
Veterinary professionals can prescribe various medications, including sedatives and anti-anxiety drugs, to alleviate your dog’s anxiety. These medications work by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. It’s essential to consult your veterinarian to determine the right medication type, dosage, and whether it should be long-acting or short-acting based on your dog’s specific needs.
Additional Insights from my Ashdown Forest Dogs Community
I reached out to my Ashdown Forest Dogs community to gather insights on how they assist their dogs during the fireworks season. Here's what a handful of members had to say:
Jenny Boyd: “Last year, my Cavalier took a turn for the worst on November 5th. It seemed like every neighbour on my road had fireworks from around 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Don’t get me wrong, I love fireworks, but my doggy is terrified, and I wish they were silent! This year, if he’s still with us (as he’s an old boy), I’ll be using blackout curtains, a thunder shirt, music/TV to distract him, and hope for the best! I'm using fireworks desensitisation videos on YouTube at the moment to prepare him.”
Katy Dickens: “Things that help my dog: thunder shirt, Nutracalm or Yumove calming treats, the washing machine on, the radio on, and the TV on!”
Tracey Symons: “Classic FM makes special music on November 5th; they have done it for years. I'm not anti-public displays, but fireworks should never be available to the general public. As dog owners, if we know what date the display is, we could take our dogs away for the night, so they don't suffer from it all.”
Local Events Taking Place
To ensure the safety of your pets, please view the following link, which provides information about Sussex bonfire and firework displays, including details about Lewes Bonfire Night on 4th November 2023. 10 Sussex Bonfire and Firework Displays
Conclusion
Fireworks season can be a trying period for dogs, but with careful preparation, support, and professional advice, you can help your best friend stay calm and comfortable. Remember that every dog is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the most effective strategies for your pet. By following these tips, and seeking expert assistance, you can make fireworks season more bearable for your canine companion.
Yours warmly, Zita x
Zita Wells
Pet Patrol 365
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