Fireworks season is an exciting time for us, but it can be a stressful experience for our furry friends. At Rebel Dogs Academy, we want to help you and your dog have a more relaxed and enjoyable fireworks season. Here are our top tips to keep your dog calm and happy during this period:
1. Understand Your Dog’s Stress
Dogs can be very sensitive to loud noises like fireworks. Their senses are much sharper than ours, and the unpredictable nature of fireworks can be alarming. According to research from The Kennel Club, nearly half of owners say their dog is scared by fireworks. One in five owners notice signs of stress such as pacing (20%), howling and crying (20%), and excessive panting (18%). A third (31%) notice their dog shivers and trembles during firework displays, and more than a quarter (26%) mention unusual excessive barking. Watch for signs of stress in your dog, such as panting, pacing, barking, or hiding.
Calming Activities to Help Your Dog
To help your dog chill out, consider these calming activities:
2. Create a Safe Space 🏡
Make sure your dog has a safe, comfortable space to retreat to when fireworks start. This could be a crate, a small room, or even a bathroom. Playing calming music or white noise can help drown out the sound of fireworks. Start this well in advance of the fireworks, so it doesn’t become a predictor of the event.
3. Prepare Ahead of Time ⏰
Don’t wait until the last minute to get your dog ready for fireworks night. Start preparing a few days in advance. Get them used to their safe space, and use calming products if needed.
4. Use Calming Products 🌿
Consider using calming supplements, or diffusers to help reduce your dog’s anxiety. Products like the Calm-K9 supplement, which contains natural calming ingredients, can be very effective.
Calm-K9 is a natural supplement that helps reduce your dog’s stress with ingredients like tryptophan, passiflower, and lemon balm. Use promo code RebelDogsAcademy for a 10% discount. For more details, visit the A-OK9 website.
5. Engage with Games and Training 🎮
Keep your dog engaged with games and training activities. Positive reinforcement and distraction can help reduce their focus on the fireworks. Try training games that build confidence and create positive associations with noises. Focus on movement games and exercises, such as spins and twists, rather than static behaviours like sit or stay. These activities help keep your dog’s mind and body engaged, which can be calming.
6. Support in the Moment 🐶
On the day of the fireworks, stay calm and support your dog. Movement can significantly help your dog relax more than being static. Engage in activities like hide-and-seek with treats, which allows your dog to sniff and focus on their nose rather than their ears. This can be super helpful for ignoring the noise outside. Offering interactive toys and puzzles can also keep their mind busy and reduce anxiety. Be there for them and provide comfort without overreacting to their fear. Keep them busy with toys, treats, and interactive activities.
7. Avoid Punishment 🚫
Never punish your dog for showing signs of fear or anxiety. This can make their stress worse. Instead, focus on creating a positive and calming environment.
8. Monitor Their Environment 🔍
Ensure your dog stays indoors during fireworks to prevent them from running away. According to research from The Kennel Club, the number of dogs reported missing doubles during the fireworks season due to the fear and stress caused by loud noises. Data from Petlog shows that 34% more dogs were reported missing by their owners during the two weeks of November 2021, which included Bonfire Night and Diwali (periods with many firework celebrations in England, similar to July 14th in France), compared to the following two weeks. Keep doors and windows closed to reduce the noise, and ensure they are microchipped and wearing an ID tag.
Source: Petlog
9. Walk Your Dog Before Sunset 🌇
Plan your dog walks earlier in the day to ensure you’re not outside when the fireworks start. Being outdoors during fireworks can be especially hard on your dog, so it’s best to have them safely inside before the sun goes down.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed 👩⚕️
If your dog is very sensitive to fireworks, consulting a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for additional strategies or medications can be helpful.
At Rebel Dogs Academy, we can create a Behaviour Plan to help noise-sensitive dogs. Discuss, diagnose, and decide on a 3-week action plan based on the challenges identified. This structured journey focuses on implementing targeted changes to improve your dog’s behavior and develop better habits. Book a call with us to discuss our behaviour plan and see how we can assist you.
Following these tips will help ensure that you and your dog have a much more relaxed fireworks season. 💖🐶