Five Tips To Help A Stress Dog During Fireworks

Dogs can be scared of fireworks, the flashing lights, and loud noises from them can be extremely frightening. However, there are some things you can do to help minimize their stress levels. 

Image by Winsker from Pixabay 

While there are some ways you can support your dog when there are fireworks, getting your dog more used to loud noises could also offer a long-term solution. By working with your dog, you can gradually help them to get more used ot loud noises, and associate them with something positive instead of feeling anxious. 

Let’s have a look at some of the ways below: 

Avoid Night Time Walks 

Make sure you take your dog for a walk before it gets dark during the firework season. Most of the year you cant set fireworks off after 11 pm but on bonfire night and new year, this is extended. It’s best if you try to avoid walks in the dark if you want to have the best chance of being outdoors when the fireworks set off. If they need the toilet in the evening, you may want to consider standing outside with them, just in case. 

Build A Safe Place For Them

Try to create a safe place somewhere inside your home where your dog can retreat from the fireworks. A table covered with a blanket or a crate if your dog is used to it. Don’t lock them in anywhere as this can add stress, let them choose where they want to hide. You could even give them some Pet-Ness treats to enjoy while keeping safe. 

Turn On A TV Or Radio

The sudden noise that comes from a firework can be slightly masked by a radio or TV been on, it can help to minimized the impact of the noise on your pets. Classical music also helps to naturally relax your dogs, add in some relaxing tunes, and play it at a volume your dog is happy with. 

Draw Your Curtains

Always make sur you cover your windows or draw your curtains, it helps to minimize the flashing lights from the fireworks. It’s not just the sound of the fireworks that can put them in distress. It also strange flashes in the sky. If you leave the lights on it will also help to minimize the impact of any flashes. 

Don’t Confine Them 

Your dogs may be a little confused and prefer to curl up next to you instead of the safe place you have created for them. Or they may swap and choose between the two. Don’t confine them to one space or send them away when there are fireworks going off, the most important thing is to allow them to find the area they feel most safe. If they are being forced to stay in one spot, they may become more stressed, when all they really need is a cuddle. 

These are just a few tips that will help you to keep your dog calm this fireworks day. Remember to go with their lead and provide them with the support they need.