Dogs have excellent hearing, so loud bangs can cause them to startle. This, mixed with bright lights in the sky and potential crowds, can cause a lot of stress and discomfort, making fireworks season a daunting time for many dogs. Although fireworks will always be startling, you can help prepare your dogs for when the time comes and help to make the sounds less scary.
While the Blue Cross advises owners to start preparing their dogs for fireworks six months in advance, their animal behaviourist, Becky Skyrme, has shared what owners can do to help in the next few weeks ahead of Bonfire Night. She said: "A great way to do this is by familiarising them with the sound of fireworks, which can be done by playing a recording of fireworks via a speaker."
But that's not all as owners can make other small and simple changes around their homes in the run-up to November 5 to create a safe and calm environment for their pets.
"Prepare a 'den' for your dog where they can feel safe and comfortable – perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes. They may like to hide there when the fireworks start," she added.
"Avoid leaving your dog alone if you know there are going to be fireworks nearby. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your dog if you find they have been destructive after being left on their own. Shouting at a frightened dog will only make them more stressed."
On the day, owners should make sure their dog is walked before the fireworks start.
They should never take their dog to a fireworks display, as even if they don’t bark or whimper at the noise, it doesn’t mean they're enjoying it.
Excessive panting and yawning can sometimes indicate that your dog is stressed.
Becky said: "Make sure you have measures in place to keep your dog indoors if you know that fireworks will be set off nearby, as dogs are prone to bolting in an attempt to seek out safety and can risk injuring themselves or going missing.
"Make sure dogs have some form of easily readable identification to wear– even in the house. They should have at least a collar and tag. In addition, make sure your dog is microchipped so that if they do run away, they have a better chance of being quickly reunited with you.
With councils across London, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Dundee, Glasgow and Cardiff axing their public firework events due to the cost-of-living crisis, Blue Cross fear a spike in private 'at home' displays this year – putting the health of our much-loved pets at risk.
Ahead of Bonfire Night, the Blue Cross is launching Have a Heart, Don’t Take Part – a new campaign urging the British public to re-think their plans to host or attend at-home fireworks displays this year, to help protect the health of our much-loved pets.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
