Preparing Dogs For Bonfire Night: Act in October to densensitise your pet in time for the fireworks

Bonfire night can be a testing time for pups - and their owners.Bonfire night can be a testing time for pups - and their owners.
Bonfire night can be a testing time for pups - and their owners. | Contributed
It’s never too early to get your pet comfortable with the expected noise of Fireworks Night.

With Bonfire Night approaching, animal experts are urging pet owners to begin their desensitisation training as soon as possible.

The window for effective preparation is narrowing, making early October a crucial time for anxious pets. Waiting until November could limit the positive impact on your furry friend’s anxiety levels.

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Fireworks anxiety affects millions of pets across the UK, prompting TrustedHousesitters, the popular pet-sitting community, to partner with veterinary surgeon Dr Rebecca MacMillan.

Together, they’re offering essential advice for a less stressful celebration. Their message is clear: starting now gives your pet the best chance of staying calm during the festivities.

Angela Laws, Head of Community at TrustedHousesitters, explained: “We've noticed an increase in members discussing fireworks-related anxiety in their pets. Having a familiar presence at home can be comforting for animals during stressful times like Bonfire Night. For those who need to be away during fireworks season, arranging a trusted pet sitter can provide valuable companionship and support for their pets."

Dr MacMillan added “The earlier you start sound desensitisation training in dogs, the better. Even a few weeks can make a difference in your dog’s anxiety levels.”

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For pet owners keen to help their animals cope better this year, Dr MacMillan offers these key tips:

Start immediately: Every day counts in building your pet’s resilience 

Ideally, you would give yourself as much time as possible to maximise the effects of sound training. But if you’ve left things a bit late, there are still some benefits to be had. This underscores the importance of beginning your desensitisation efforts right away, even if Bonfire Night is approaching. Every day counts in building your pet’s resilience and comfort with loud noises.

Revolutionary sound training: Transform your pet’s fear into calm 

Desensitisation involves gradually introducing sounds to your dog in a controlled manner. Start by playing recordings of fireworks sounds at a very low volume. If they are calm, you can gently praise and reward them. This positive reinforcement can significantly reduce anxiety over time.

Mealtime miracle: Turn dinner into desensitisation therapy 

Try and build a further positive association with these sounds by playing recordings around mealtimes or when you are playing with your pet. This technique can help pets associate firework sounds with positive experiences.

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Create a canine comfort zone: Your pet’s secret weapon against fear 

Now is the time to start thinking about making a den for your dog. A crate with a blanket over the top works, or blankets draped over chairs. Set this up in advance of Bonfire night so that your dog has plenty of time to explore and become accustomed to it.

Puzzle power: Unleash the anxiety-busting potential of toys 

Invest in interactive toys like puzzle feeders and snuffle mats, to keep them busy and distracted. These can be powerful tools in managing your pet’s stress during fireworks.

Time-shifting technique: Outsmart fireworks with clever scheduling 

Adjust your dog’s routine. Walk dogs and feed them earlier in the evening, bringing them into the house before fireworks are expected to start. This simple change can significantly reduce exposure to stressful stimuli.

Your vet can help

If your dog is very fearful of fireworks, you should also speak to your vet. They may be able to suggest medication or supplements which can take the edge off of their anxiety. But please don’t leave this until the last minute!

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Remember, remember, keep your dog at home on the fifth of November...

NEVER take your dog to an actual fireworks display, no matter how confident they seem with the sounds at home. Going to a real event is very different, and even the most well-trained dog can become overwhelmed by loud sounds and bright explosions. You could risk traumatising your pet.

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