Top tips to keeping your pets calm during fireworks

Bonfire night is just around the corner and this can fill many owners with dread knowing how anxious their pet will become. We wanted to share our top tips to keeping your pet as calm as possible to help you enjoy the bonfire weekend.

Avoid walking your dog at times when fireworks are likely to go off

If possible, walk your dog during the daylight hours and keep your pets indoors during the times when fireworks are likely to be set off.

Distract your pet

Giving your pet a long-lasting chew will keep them busy and will help to distract them from what’s going on outside.

Mask the firework sounds with your TV or radio

Ensure all your windows and curtains are closed and use your TV or radio to mask the bangs.

Create safe, quiet hiding places in your home

Animals react differently when they’re scared but the common reacting is hiding. Create dens in your home made under furniture or on a quiet corner made with blankets and line it with pillows and cushions to help absorb some of the noise.

Behave normally

Dogs pick up on any odd behaviour so it’s important to act calm, happy and behave as normally as possible. The more your behaviour changes, the more anxious your pets may become.

Never punish your pet when they’re scared

One of the signs of stress in pets is going to the toilet around your home. If this happens don’t punish them as this will only make them more stressed and anxious.

Signs of stress in pets

Keep a close eye on your pets whilst the fireworks are set off and watch out the any of these following signs of stress and anxiety.

Dogs:

• Shaking and trembling
• Hiding behind or under furniture
• Cowering
• Going to the toilet in your home
• Destructive behaviour
• Refusing to eat
• Trying to run away
• Excessive barking

Cats:

• Hiding behind or on top of furniture
• Cowering
• Going to the toilet around the house instead of in their litter box
• Refusing to eat
• Trying to run away

We hope these tips will help you this bonfire season but advise you to speak to your vet or trainer if you’re concerned about any of their symptoms.