It’s that time of year again…we are coming up to firework season! 
It’s a month of the year that can be particularly difficult for dog owners – particularly those with older/sick dogs, new rescues, or those with a general nervous/anxious disposition.
With the increasing popularity of “stay at home” displays and every big venue wanting to put on a public display, we seem to be bombarded with fireworks for longer and longer each year. I’m sure I’m not the only one who never really thought about them much until I had my own dog. Now I can see the impact they have, and how distressing they can be – not only for dogs, but also cats/rabbits/other household animals and of course, our Great British Wildlife!
Now there isn’t much (unfortunately) we can do for the wildlife, however we can make some changes in our homes to help our pets through what can be a particularly stressful time…
Our pets find it hard to understand what is happening with the bright flashes, screeching rockets and thunderous bangs – they are enough to frighten anyone who doesn’t know they are happening!
Try to plan ahead – look at local FB groups/what’s on pages, local paper etc to check for any local displays. Touch base with your neighbors and see if they have plans for displays and hot these down too
Ensure your baby is microchipped – also ensure the details are up to date. Even “seasoned pro” doggies can change year on year, and although they were comfortable last year, could spook and run this year. Equally even the best behaved dogs can be started and make a dash for the door (worst case scenario!)
On the day of displays, walk in daylight hours. A good walk in the day time will help tire your baby out and will leave them with less energy, so they should be winding down by the time fireworks start
keep all windows/doors closed, and shut any blinds/curtains. This will help in muffling any noise, as well as ensuring the flashes/light in the sky is reduced
Male sure your baby has a quiet space to relax in – if this is their crate, think about it’s location and wether or not you need to move it somewhere more suited; e.g not left by the doors/windows. Perhaps move to a hallway or landing, or the opposite side to any likely noise – if your neighbours are having something in their garden, set your babies safe space up in the front of your house
Provide them with a long lasting natural chew, or a Kong – this will help to distract them. Chewing a favourite tasty treat has also been proven to help relax your dog.
Show them that you aren’t bothered. Keep relaxed and calm, don’t let your stress for them show as they will pick up on this! Don’t shout at your pets or raise your voice as this will lighten their fear dramatically
Keep water bowls full and ensure there is one by/in your dogs safe space so that they don’t have to go far if they are anxious
You can also try out “Desensitisation Therapy” in the lead up to fireworks season. Typical this should be 4/6 weeks before fireworks are due to start.
The idea behind this is to introduce your dog/pets to the lights/noises of fireworks in a controlled manner, letting them get used to the experience at their own pace, and hopefully lessening the impact of fireworks season. Remember, you may have done this before but it is best practice to repeat this yearly to help your dog. Equally, your dog ages and it’s hearing/senses change, so your previously “happy with fireworks” dog may now be scared or frightened.
Start by accessing video content on YouTube (or similar) with sounds/visuals in the background. This will be on very quietly whilst you are going about your usual business. So you may still have “EastEnders” on the TV but you could be playing the videos on another device or on a second TV in a different room. Go about your day as usual and try not to be bothered/check up on your baby too much.
Over a period of a few weeks, and through several, sort sessions a week, you can increase both the length or time you play the material to your baby and also the volume. Just keep it to a reasonable volume – not full blast! If you do notice your dog gets dramatically bothered when you go to a certain volume, take a few steps back, lower the skin and start over.
It is always a positive experience for your dog if you can show them you are relaxed, and provide them with a favourite toy/treat whilst completing the sessions to promote “positive” experiences being created for them.
Ultimately, if you are still struggling and are seriously worried about your pets health during firework season, it it absolutely the right thing to do to consult the advice of your Vet!