Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot. You’ve remembered to get the jacket potatoes ready to go in the oven and to prepare the post-display treats. You’ve remembered to dig out your wellies to help you get through the mud and fallen leaves at your local park. Not only that, but you’ve remembered to dive into drawers in search of last year’s woolly hats, scarves and gloves. But have you remembered one very important member of your family? Your dog. Fireworks and dogs do not always mix so we’ve got 8 tips to help you and your pooch through the evening.
Although we may oooh and aaah at the spectacular sights exploding in the sky, our dogs typically have a very different response – fear! What can you do to reduce your pet’s anxiety, so the whole household enjoys bonfire night?
- Never take your pet to a firework display.
- Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day before the display begins
- There is a higher incidence of runaway dogs on bonfire night. Find out when the firework display is likely to start and keep your dog inside during that time.
- Close all windows and doors in your home so that noise levels from outside are reduced. That’s not too hard to do when it is usually quite chilly in November. You can also draw blinds or close curtains for extra noise reduction too.
- When the display is taking place, try to distract your dog with other sounds, such as the TV or by playing music. Classic FM offers a show called Pet Sounds presented by the inspirational Bill Turnbull, which is designed to keep your dog relaxed.
- Make sure that your dog has easy, unobstructed access to his safe area. This may be the crate or dog bed, so allow your dog to take himself there and allow him to stay there for the evening if that is where he feels most comfortable.
- Keep calm yourself and do not appear to look hassled. Dogs often pick up on how their owner is feeling and if you are calm your dog is likely to feel calmer too.
- Your vet may be able to suggest a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP) or calming scent that you can use to reduce your dog’s anxiety.
Here at The Savvy Travaller we wish you and your whole family a safe and enjoyable bonfire night.
