With Bonfire Night fast approaching, there are ways you can prepare your dog for the event, to reduce their stress and anxiety when the time comes.
Some dogs will be totally unphased by fireworks, snoozing the evening away as usual! But for some, it can be a terrifying experience, which can be extremely distressing for us as owners.
In the build up to these events, and through the year, there are things you can do to try and ease the stress of bonfire night for your dog. You can find a step by step guide below. Desensitisation training can be a slow process, and you may at times have to go back a few steps and then progress again. Attempting to rush it though, can do more harm than good, so it is wise to start desensitisation training as far in advance as possible, and to go at your dog’s own pace, to best set them up for success.
If you have welcomed a puppy or rescue dog into your family, who has not experienced fireworks before, we recommend including some desensitisation training for them, even if they have shown no signs of noise anxiety, this will reduce the chance of them developing fears in later life.
Desensitisation Training
Aim to start this as far in advance of the anticipated stressful event as you can.
- Firstly, it is wise to have your dog checked over by a vet. Noise sensitivity is often seen in pets who are in pain or have undiagnosed medical issues, such as gastrointestinal problems. If your pet is in discomfort, training will at best take much longer, or at worst be completely ineffective. If your dog has developed noise anxiety quite quickly when they have previously been quite relaxed, it is even more likely that they are experiencing some pain that requires attention.
- Decide on a time during the day when it is most convenient to train, and plan that into your schedule. This will make it more likely that you are able to stick to the plan, even in the face of busy, everyday life. Several short sessions a day, will be more effective than one long session, and consistency is key.
- Systematic desensitisation has been shown to be most effective at helping with noise phobias. This involves playing firework noises (you can find compilations of these on YouTube) and GRADUALLY increasing volumes at a pace that your dog can cope with. Remain calm whilst you do this training and continue with your day as normal, but ensure to keep a close eye on your dog. Watch for any subtle changes in body language that suggests they are uncomfortable, and reduce the volume if you spot any, back to a level they are comfortable with. You can find a detailed guide on interpreting your dog’s body language here How to Understand Your Dog’s Body Language | Dogs Trust.
- Play the sounds at such a low volume that your dog notices the sound, but does not respond fearfully to it. Their ears might prick, and they may look up, but they should quickly be able to go back to what they are doing. Look out for signs of anxiety like licking lips, yawning, scratching, whining and pacing, and immediately reduce the volume further. You may have to start at a lower level than you anticipate to solicit an aware yet relaxed reaction from your dog.
- Over the course of many days, increase the volume very gradually, noting how your dog responds each time and adjusting the volume as needed. Don’t increase the volume until your dog is able to ignore it at its current level. You may provide calm, relaxed activities while the sound is playing, such as long lasting treats or enrichment puzzles (if your dog enjoys these in a calm manner – avoid anything that may frustrate them), but don’t try to engage in play or encourage excitement in your dog, you want your dog to be relaxed and neutral through the process.
- Never throw your dog into the deep end by cranking up the volume and expect them to get used to it- it won’t work and your dog will suffer as a consequence. Slow, gradual exposure is key.
You can apply the above methods to any noise your dog may find particularly stressful, such as thunderstorms, traffic, or sirens.
If you seek further advice and support, please contact your vet or a qualified dog behaviourist. Should you have any questions about the advice provided here, please reach out to our team who will be happy to help!
How you can make your dog more comfortable on the day
You may have stumbled across this article only a few days before fireworks are likely, in which case, it is not wise to start desensitisation training, as there will not be time for it to have effect. However, there are other things you can do, to support your dog through this stressful period.
- Create a safe space for your dog to relax– somewhere where they can retreat away from the noise, should they wish. If your dog chooses to hide rather than seek comfort from you, let them.
- Be on hand to provide comfort and reassurance– try to keep them as calm as possible but let them come to you for reassurance, rather than insisting.
- Take walks in the day before it gets dark– this will be quieter and less stressful for them, a dog fearful of fireworks will find being outside while they are going off extremely distressing, and may even attempt to flee. If you must take them outside, to the garden for instance, keep them on a lead.
- Make your own noise– play their favourite music or have the TV on to distract them from the noise outside.
- Close your windows and curtains– shut out the flashes and muffle the noise.
- Talk to your neighbours and event venues in your area– ask them if they’re having fireworks so you can be prepared on the night they do.
- Provide lots of drinking water– nervous dogs are likely to pant more and become thirsty.
- Keep them in a secure room when answering the door– a frightened dog may attempt to flee to try and escape the perceived threat, and this means they won’t be able to suddenly escape out of the door.
- Provide a long-lasting tasty treat– treats like a filled Kong can keep them distracted and their mind busy.
- Use relaxing aromas in your home– scents like Lavender and Chamomile can aid relaxation. There are also calming medications/remedies available that you can purchase through your vets. Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from a vet before using any product. Be aware that some essential oils are toxic to animals so read ingredients lists thoroughly.
- Use tried and tested pheromone therapy – such as Adaptil or Pet Remedy, which has been proven to reduce anxiety during thunderstorms. Always make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from a vet before using any product.
If your dog does struggle with fireworks this year, we suggest allowing some time to decompress after the event, and then starting desensitisation training with them very, very gradually, to ease their anxiety in the coming years. Depending on how extreme the fear is, your dog may never be totally comfortable, but you can help make things easier for them, with time, consistency and patience.
Rotherham, South Yorkshire
