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Tips for dog owners this Bonfire Night
Advice ranges from quiet spaces to a special soothing pooch playlist
Dogs Trust is advising owners to stay home for a cosy evening with their pet pooches this Bonfire Night to help their canine companions to stay safe and settled.
According to latest research from the charity, one in five humans are negatively affected by fireworks and of those, 93% say the colourful and often noisy pyrotechnics cause distress in pets.
The trust said staying home with a dog can provide a sense of reassurance and prevent it from panicking.
Further steps include closing curtains, switching on the lights and playing the TV or some music to smother the sounds of fireworks.
Dogs Trust has issued further tips:
- The charity has launched a 'soothing' Soft Sounds for Dogs playlist designed to mask the sounds of bangs and encourage relaxation, and available via Spotify, YouTube and the charity's website.
- To further help their canine pals to relax, owners should walk and feed their dogs before it turns dark.
- Preparing a quiet, enclosed space for them can also provide somewhere for them to retreat to and feel secure.
- Owners should also keep an eye on how their dog is coping - some like human attention while others prefer being left alone with a toy or activity - and offering reassurance or distracting play can help.
- Speaking to a vet may be needed if a dog has previously shown fear during fireworks, and medication can be effective in some cases.
- Keep possible exits secure in case of a frightened dog bolting.
- Dogs Trust also advises owners to stay calm and relaxed themselves to inspire a sense of confidence in their dog.
- Stay calm yourself - Seeing your dog in distress can be upsetting, but it’s important to stay calm and relaxed. Dogs often pick up on their owner’s emotions, so your calm presence can help them feel more at ease.
Dom Burke, Dogs Trust behaviour policy officer, said: "It's really worrying to hear that so many owners report firework-related distress in their pets, but there are steps owners can take over the next few days to try to reduce the impact of fireworks on their dogs.
“One of the best things you can do is to stay calm yourself, as this will help your dog to stay relaxed; close the curtains, turn on the TV or radio, and prepare for a cosy night in with your dog.
"You could even stream our new Soft Sounds playlist to help them unwind.
“If your dog has previously shown signs of distress, get in touch with your vet to discuss whether medication might help them cope during this stressful time."
Dogs Trust is also calling on the Government to review the current laws around the sale and use of fireworks.
The charity is advocating for simple, sensible changes, such as limiting fireworks to licensed public events during specific times of year to reduce unnecessary suffering and allow dog owners to prepare.
For more tips visit Dogs Trust (opens new tab).
