Fireworks!

As you all know, Bonfire Night is Monday 5th November but firework displays can start going off from now and a good week or so after. Some dogs are not fussed by the noise of fireworks, however most find this time of year extremely difficult and where displays can be spread out over various evenings it can be a really difficult period. Here are a few tips to help your dogs during this troublesome time:

1. Take your dogs out for their last walk early evening to avoid being caught out when fireworks go off. The law states that displays cannot go off between 11pm and 7am. Please see https://www.gov.uk/fireworks-the-law fore more details.

2. Create a 'safe place' for you dog to freely use if they wish. A good example of this is to get a crate which is covered in a blanket and filled with bedding. Have this near you so you can monitor your dog. We would not advise you shut your dog in the crate because if they panic and cannot get out they can cause themselves serious injury.

3. Feed your dog earlier than normal to allow their food to settle and digest as stress can cause them to become tense and increase their risk of a twisted stomach.

3. Research has shown that classical music and even audiobooks can help to reduce stress. Having these playing softly near your dog can provide a calming effect and mask the noise of fireworks.

4. Keep your curtains drawn to help reduce the noise and the lights produced by the fireworks.

5. If you have to take them outside to toilet then keep your dog on the lead. In a state of panic your dog can bolt and will look for any escape.

6. If you know there is going to be a display near you then if possible, take your dog away to a family or friends house that you know will be quieter.

7. Fear can often lead to aggression and if a dog becomes particularly distressed then they can turn to aggression in order to protect themselves. Do not tell your dog off or try to manhandle them as this will make this worse.

8. Research has shown Adaptil to be a good tool to use if your dog struggles with stress. You can get either a plug in diffuser or a collar and they work by releasing the natural ‘dog appeasing pheromone’ which aims in calming and relaxing your dog. It is important to consult your vet before using.

9. The half body wrap is another effective tool to help with anxiety. The wrap provides gentle pressure around your dog, almost like a hug, which helps to relieve stress.