Bonfire Night (and fireworks season in general) can be hard for lots of dogs, but there are things we can do to keep them as safe and calm as possible.
Remember - even if your dog has been fine before, it’s always better to play it safe!
Staying Safe on Walks:
Walk early in the day, while it’s still light
Look out for when local displays are on, and plan accordingly
Keep your dog on lead at all times, even during the day - fireworks are unpredictable, and even the best recall can fail when a dog panics
Check your walking equipment for signs of wear or damage before heading out
Check the fit of your dog’s collar & harness to make sure they can’t escape
Use two points of connection for extra security - e.g. a double ended lead or a collar connector
Keep your lead short when walking near traffic - a sudden bang can spook your pup, and they may dart into the road without thinking
I don’t recommend extendable leads, but if you need to use one then double check that the locking mechanism is working well, keep it locked when walking near roads, and consider using a wrist strap so that it can’t be pulled out of your hand
Make sure your dog’s tag is on their collar and that your contact details are visible and up to date
Check that your details are accurate and up to date on your pup’s microchip
Staying Safe at Home:
Ensure all garden gates are closed and locked before letting your dog outside
Check your fences and walls for any signs of damage, and for gaps your pup could potentially squeeze through
Dogs will surprise you with how high they can jump and how well they can climb - make sure there is nothing that might give them a boost to get over a wall or fence
Consider keeping your dog on a lead or long-line in the garden, especially if your fences are low
Don’t leave your dog outside unattended - even if they can’t escape, they can still be frightened by the noise or hurt by falling debris
Avoid opening your front door whilst fireworks are going off, and think about how you can add additional barriers for extra security - closing internal doors or using baby gates will ensure your dog can’t rush the front door if you need to open it
Keep your dog inside if you will be setting off fireworks or using sparklers
Observe your dog’s body language and respect their space - a scared dog may not want to be touched, and even the friendliest dog can bite when frightened
Keeping Your Dog Calm & Happy:
Close the curtains or blinds before it gets dark
Turn on the lights to mask any flashes
Turn on the TV or play music to mask some of the noise:
Classic FM often play dog-friendly music on bonfire night
Experiment with different types of sounds to see what helps your dog - many people find Taiko Drums, Reggae or Rock music helpful, and others prefer white, pink or brown noise
Put some fun enrichment activities together ahead of time, e.g. lick mats, stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats, destruction boxes
Set up a safe, quiet space for your dog to retreat to. This might be a crate covered in heavy blankets, a cosy corner away from windows, or you could even build a den under a table!
Make sure someone will be at home with your pup so they don’t feel alone, and can seek comfort if they need it
Have some toys and high value treats to hand - give your dog a treat or play with a toy each time they hear a firework to help them build a positive association with the sound
Consider using dog-safe calming sprays or diffusers - these can help some dogs feel more relaxed, and have the added benefit of masking some of the fireworks smell
You can use code OPBTO25 to get 25% off Pet Remedy products
Pheromone-based calming products such as Adaptil can be really helpful for some dogs
COMFORT YOUR DOG! It is completely okay to comfort your dog if they’re scared - you won’t make them more worried or ‘reinforce their fear’. Calm reassurance shows your dog that they are safe, and that they can come to you for support when they’re worried about something - and that’s a key part of building a really secure relationship, and helping your dog feel more confident.
If you notice that your dog really struggles this year then it’s always worth having a chat with your vet to make sure they have a clean bill of health, and to explore your options for additional support.
Firework season can be tricky for dogs, and it can be tough for us humans when we’re supporting them! Make sure to look after yourself too - get some snacks and treats in, plan an easy dinner, and don’t forget that if you need some extra help and advice then you can always get in touch and I’ll be happy to help 🐾