For most of us, Bonfire Night means sparklers, toffee apples and standing round a bonfire in our warmest coat. For a lot of dogs, it means something very different. One minute it is a normal evening at home, the next the sky is cracking, whistling and flashing, and they have no idea why.
It is not just the 5th of November either. Between Halloween, Diwali, Bonfire Night and the weekends either side, fireworks can stretch across a good few weeks, and then they are back again for New Year.
The good news is that a little planning makes a real difference. Here is how to help your dog through fireworks season, whether you have a nervous house dog, a bold young puppy or a seasoned gundog.
Why are dogs scared of fireworks?
Dogs hear far more than we do. Dogs Trust estimates their hearing is around four times more sensitive than ours, so a bang that makes us jump can feel enormous to them. Fireworks are also sudden, unpredictable and bright, and a dog has no way of knowing where the noise is coming from or when it will stop.
It is more common than many owners think. In the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey, 45% of owners said their dog was not always calm during fireworks. Fear can also build over time, so a dog who slept straight through it last year may react differently this year.
Signs your dog is frightened
Some dogs make their feelings very obvious. Others go quiet and still, which is much easier to miss. Look out for:
- Panting, pacing or not being able to settle
- Trembling or shaking
- Hiding behind furniture, under the bed or in a corner
- Clinging to you, or trying to get as far away as possible
- Barking, whining or howling
- Yawning, lip licking, ears back or a tucked tail
- Toilet accidents indoors
- Refusing food or trying to escape
Before fireworks night
- Find out what is planned. Check for local displays and keep an eye on community pages. If you get on with your neighbours, ask them to give you a heads up if they are planning their own.
- Build a safe den. A quiet corner, a crate covered with a blanket or a cosy spot behind the sofa, with their bed and a few familiar smells. Set it up a few days early so it is somewhere they already like to go. Leave the door open so they can come and go as they please.
- Start sound work early. Gradually getting a dog used to firework sounds at a very low volume can help, and it works best with puppies and well ahead of the season. Dogs Trust has a free sound programme called Sounds Scary. For an older dog who is already very fearful, it is worth getting help from an accredited behaviourist rather than going it alone.
- Check their ID. Frightened dogs can bolt. Make sure their microchip details are up to date and they are wearing a collar with an ID tag.
- Talk to your vet. If your dog has really struggled in previous years, speak to your vet now rather than the week of Bonfire Night. They can talk you through the options and refer you to a behaviourist if needed.
On the night
- Walk before dark. Get their walk and a toilet break done while it is still light, and keep them on the lead. Fireworks often start earlier than you expect.
- Feed before the fireworks start. Plenty of dogs will not want to eat once the bangs begin, so give them their evening meal a little earlier.
- Secure the house and garden. Check gates and fences, close windows and doors, and take your dog out on a lead for any late toilet trips, even in your own garden.
- Draw the curtains and add some background noise. Shutting out the flashes helps, and the TV or some music can soften the bangs. Dogs Trust has a free playlist called Soft Sounds for Dogs for exactly this.
- Stay home if you can. Many dogs panic when they are left alone during fireworks, so a cosy night in together is the kindest option.
- Let them choose. If your dog wants to hide, let them, and do not try to coax them out. If they come to you, it is perfectly fine to comfort them. Try to stay calm and carry on as normal, as dogs pick up on our mood.
- Give them something to focus on. A long lasting chew or a stuffed toy gives them something else to think about and gives you a nice way to reward calm behaviour.
- Never tell them off. A frightened dog is not being naughty. Scolding will only add to their stress.
What about gundogs and working dogs?
Lots of our customers work their dogs, and it is easy to assume a dog that is steady to the gun will take fireworks in its stride. That is not always the case.
On a shoot day, your dog is out in the open, working alongside you and focused on a job it understands. Fireworks are a completely different experience. They come from all directions, often for hours at a time, in the dark, with bright flashes and no job to do. So treat your working dog like any other dog: watch how they react, plan ahead and do not take steadiness for granted.
If your dogs live in outdoor kennels, think about bringing them inside for the evening. If that is not possible, partly cover the kennel to block out the flashes, add plenty of extra bedding and double check everything is secure.
Do not forget the cat
Cats find fireworks frightening too, they are just better at keeping it to themselves.
- Keep them in once it gets dark, and pop a litter tray down
- Make sure they have plenty of places to hide, including somewhere up high
- Do not try to tempt them out of a hiding spot, just let them be
- Check their microchip details are up to date in case they slip out
After fireworks season
Once it is all over, jot down how your dog coped and what seemed to help. It makes planning for New Year and next autumn much easier. If their fear seems to be getting worse year on year, or is starting to show up at other times, it is worth a chat with your vet.
A little comfort from us
Fireworks season is a good time to have a few natural treats in the cupboard. Our treats are 100% natural and suitable for both dogs and cats, from chewy pigs ears and wild boar sticks to bite size wild boar, duck, lamb, turkey and chicken treats. Order online before 2pm for next working day delivery, so there is still time to stock up before the 5th.
And if you have been thinking about trying our food, our Trial Box is an easy way to see how your dog gets on. Every recipe is gluten-free and contains aloe vera, and it is all made with the same care we would want for our own dogs.
Shop natural treats: justforfriends.uk/catalogue/treats
Try our Trial Box: justforfriends.uk/catalogue/trial-box
Here is to a calm, cosy Bonfire Night for everyone in your home.