Five Simple Steps to Keep Your Dog Safe & Calm on Fire Work Night

One of our much loved and fun seasons in the UK for humans is Guy Fawkes/Bonfire night. But, for our loving dogs and pets, nothing could be further from the truth. The relentless bangs, high-pitched screeches, and whistles from the sounds of fireworks cause so much stress and anxiety to our furry friends.

However, no need to put a dampener on the family fun. As long as we take a sensible approach, all can co-exist together. In addition to our steps below, if you are planning on having your own family fireworks display, it's best to do this somewhere away from your home or indeed other homes too. Think of people's pets, livestock, and children, and above all, be safe! 

Following these simple steps will help your dog to stay calm and avoid the anxiety that affects all dogs during this most celebrated season:

1. Plan ahead and where possible make sure there is someone in the house with your dogs this Guy Fawkes night. Having someone there can help alleviate the anxiety that might otherwise be excruciating for your loveable furry friend, giving the feeling of being safe and comforted.

2. Close doors, windows, blinds, and curtains to minimise the noise of fireworks exploding in the sky. This will also stop any flashing lights as a result of fireworks shooting into the sky.

3. Be sure to take your dog out for walks during the day and avoid walks at the height of the local fireworks displays or at times when it is most likely to be very noisy with fireworks being set off.

4. If you are not able to be at home, follow the above, and if safe to do so, leave a radio or tv on as this will provide some familiar comfort to your dog and pets. Plus it will help to drown out the sounds of fireworks blasting the night sky above.

5. Play with your dog with their favorite toys and keep them entertained. This will help to take their mind of what's going on outside and act as a great distraction.

I think it's safe to say and to consider, that in some neighborhoods, the fireworks start many days before Guy Fawkes night and sometimes continue for a few days after. So, you may have to plan our simple steps in advance.

NOTE - Information contained in this article was accurate at the time of publishing and should be used for guidance only. Whilst we make every effort to keep our information up to date, public information is constantly changing and therefore, no responsibility will be accepted if this information becomes out of date or which warrants this information to be inaccurate.