Miracle device that costs under £20 will help protect scared dogs from fireworks
With Bonfire Night coming up there's going to be a lot more fireworks in the sky in just a matter of days, and of course the turn of the new year less than two months later is another cause for setting off explosives.
As much as we all love fireworks and their spectacular displays the bright lights and especially the booming noises can be deeply distressing for our pets.
When your pets are scared that makes you upset, so it's worth investing some time and money into following these five bits of advice to spare your dear dog some distress at this time of year.
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1. Create a safe space for your pets
Even before the first bonfire has been built you can be helping your pets out by making them a place they can feel safe.
Dogs will love a quiet room in your home where they can go and be by themselves without feeling worried, meaning you don't interact with them much when they're in this room.
The RSPCA recommends that you pick one of the quietest rooms in your house to turn into a 'doggy safe haven', putting some of their favourite toys in there so they associate the room with good feelings.
They also recommend swapping out the toys regularly so your pet pooch doesn't become bored, and crucially this room needs to be one your dog can get into whenever it wants, not just when you're around to let them in.
2. Distract them with some other noise
While the loud booms and bangs of fireworks can be very scary to our pets, there is something you can do to soothe them.
You can pick up a white noise device for less than £20 which will make a steady sound that distracts dogs from scary noises and helps keep them calm.
With any luck your cats and dogs might even be able to go to sleep before the fireworks start, and even if they don't the while noise can stop them from going into 'fight or flight' mode.
If you can't find a white noise machine to buy then putting on something nice and chill on the radio can also help, the RSPCA recommends Classic FM.
3. Build a routine
So you've got your dog sanctuary and some soothing noises for them to listen to while in there, but there's still more prep work to be done.
Walk your dog during the day so they can get some outside time before people are setting off fireworks, and each evening in the run-up to Bonfire Night get them to go into their safe haven.
They'll associate the place with good times and if you've set up a routine for them to follow it won't be a big departure when you need them to take refuge in there.
4. Protect them on the big night
When it's time for people to set off fireworks you should close the windows and curtains to shield your dog from the bright lights and sounds.
Make sure they have something soothing to listen to, which again is where the white noise device can come in handy.
Your dog may want some reassurance from you at this point, so don't react to the fireworks yourself and be around if your pooch wants to play with you, but don't force your pet to play if they're not feeling like it.
5. Cracking out the chemicals
If you talk to your vet about keeping your dog calm around fireworks then you might be able to get some pheromone diffusers which release calming chemicals into the room.
These can help get your dog in a settled mood so the loud bangs outside won't unsettle them too badly.
Your vet might also be able to prescribe some medication for your dog if you ask them for extra help.
Joe Harker