How To Support Your Dog During Firework Season
It's the season we all love, but for some dogs, it can be a really stressful time. My own dog Evie suffers with anxiety around firework season, so I've put together a list of things you can try to help easy their stress and anxiety.
Disclaimer: This advice is based on Internet research and my own experiences. I am not a vet - please consult your vet with any serious concerns you have.
1. Work on desensitising your pup in the weeks building up to the fireworks
On a very low volume, begin playing firework sounds on services such as YouTube or Spotify. Play the noise loud enough that they can hear, but quiet enough for them to not show signs of fear. Pair these sounds with positive experiences such as food, play, or enrichment. Keep the sessions short, and repeat over days and weeks, gradually increasing the volume each time.
2. Ensure their safe place is accessible, cosy and comfortable
Whether it's a crate, a snuggle den, your lap or under your bed, ensure your pup can access this space when the fireworks begin. Ensure they only associate this place with positive experiences. Our dog crate bedding helps to create a safe, den-like space where your pooch can go when they feel unsafe. Avoid forcing them where they don't want to go.
3. Consider natural calming supplements (read product instructions carefully and consult with your vet if necessary)
Dorwest Valerian Compound
Dropped into the mouth, given on food or even just a few drops sprinkled on a pet’s bedding can result in a more amenable pet, so fireworks become less stressful. The concentrated herbal extracts used in this liquid ensure that within just 30 minutes a noticeable change in behaviour occurs without causing drowsiness and the effects are quite short lived.
Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian
These Scullcap & Valerian Tablets help to naturally relax your pet, with the active herbs naturally supporting the calming pathways within the nervous system, reducing anxiety without immobilising muscles or causing drowsiness.
Available to purchase at My Hound & I
4. Try a pressure vest or snood
Pressure vests benefit anxious dogs by providing consistent, gentle pressure that creates a calming, "hug-like" sensation, which can reduce stress, fear and anxiety during fireworks.
Or you can try a snood over their ears. These handmade snoods not only provide warmth, but can be used to cover ears during this scary time, blocking out sounds and creating that gentle pressure to help them feel safer.
Available to purchase at Douglas & Dexter
5. Create background noise
Playing white noise, music, or having the TV on loud will help distract your pup from the sounds outside of the house.
6. Stay calm yourself and ignore the fireworks
Dogs will feed off your energy. If you are anxious about the fireworks starting, this gives your dog a reason to be anxious too. As difficult as it may be, try not to make a fuss of them when the fireworks start.
7. Contact the vet
If your dog's anxiety becomes prolonged or causes you concern, seek help from a vet. They may be able to offer tailored advice, calming treatments, or safe medications that make firework nights much more manageable for your dog.
I hope this blog has provided some reassurance, advice and ideas to try support your pup through the season. Please remember, at the end of the day, every dog is different. What works for one pup might stress another. Try different strategies, pay attention to your dog’s cues, and don’t feel disheartened if things aren’t perfect the first time. You’re doing your best, and that love and patience will be felt by your dog more than you might realise.
Laura x