How to Keep Your Dog Calm This Bonfire Night
Many animals are scared of fireworks, and this escalates dramatically throughout the night of the 5th November. It's important that your dog is kept calm and happy while us humans are having a wonderful time celebrating Bonfire Night. It's only fair that our dogs are properly cared for during a time which would be incredibly stressful for them. Here are a few simple tips to ensure your dog is kept calm while we enjoy the fireworks.
Walk them during daylight hours
Dogs should be walked in the day, preferably for a few days either side of the big event. This gives them the chance to expend some energy, ensuring they're considerably tired and ready for some rest by the time the night draws in. It will do a world of good, and it will also give them something positive to attach to the night ahead.
Close all windows and curtains
This will help to muffle the sound of exploding fireworks, meaning your dog could well sleep through the occasion, especially if you've taken them for a long walk during the day. Closing blinds and curtains will also help in shielding your furry friend from the piercing bangs.
Put on some music or turn the TV on
Believe it or not, you can actually mask the sound of the fireworks even further by simply turning on the radio. However, not all music does the trick in situations like these. Dogs actually prefer classical music above all else and I'm not entirely sure why! Turning the TV on will also help, but it won't be as effective as a bit of Classical FM.
Create a quiet space where your dog feels in control
A quiet space can be as simple as moving their bed to a back room and leaving the door open for them. It's important that dogs don't ever feel trapped in stressful situations, so don't shut them in small rooms where they can't go for a look around. If they feel threatened, they'll want to get out of that situation, so the best thing you can do is ensure they're surrounded by things they're comfortable and familiar with. It's always best to try and attach something positive to an otherwise unpleasant experience for them.
Provide them with a few hiding places
This might sound daft, but constructing a mini fort or laying down some blankets in cosy places will give your dog somewhere to go when they're feeling particularly anxious. Again, the worst thing you can do is make them feel trapped in a place where they're supposed to feel safe. Ensure they have places to go, things to smell, toys to play with and food to eat - anything to keep them occupied with something other than the horrible bangs echoing around the city.
Don't punish them for toilet accidents
Dogs shouldn't be punished for bad behaviour full stop. Instead, it should be ignored and good behaviour should be heavily rewarded. In some cases, dogs can become so scared by the outside noises that they wet themselves. Either that or they're too scared to set foot outside and do their business. If you walk in and find your dog has pooed or done a wee in the house, don't tell them off. Simply clean it up and leave them to get through the night in a cool, calm and relaxed manner.
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When we had our dog (who sadly passed away nearly four years ago), we understood how to keep him calm and what made him happy. In a bid to stop him feeling so scared, we did all of the aforementioned and a lot of the time, it seemed to work. We had him for fourteen years, so that's fourteen Bonfire Nights where we had someone else to think about besides ourselves. I think it's important to realise that all pets, whether they be dogs, cats or animals that sleep outside in pens or hutches, will be afraid of fireworks. We must be understanding and accommodating of that. Better still - don't buy fireworks this year.
Sainsbury's, a national supermarket chain here in the UK, has ceased selling fireworks for this very reason, and not just because pets are frightened of the bangs. Elderly people can also be startled by exploding fireworks, so it's important to keep this in mind, especially if you have elderly neighbours.
For those wondering, above are some photos of our beloved dog, Rudi (2001-2015)
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Will you be having a bonfire party this year? Do you prefer to buy your own fireworks or are you often invited round to watch someone else's? Either way, I hope you enjoy the night, but don't forget to looking after our furry friends as well!
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