As Bonfire Night approaches, owners of firework-phobic dogs start to worry about how they can prevent their pooches from becoming panicked and distressed by the cracks and bangs of fireworks going off. New dog owners may also be caught out by the consequences of not preparing properly. Nobody likes to see a dog suffering from stress and anxiety at this or any other time of year.
Practical tips on how to help your dog:
- Set an example by acting as normally as you can. Your dog is constantly looking to you as a reference point so move slowly and quietly and avoid jerky movements while providing constant reassurance.
- You can try to distract your dog with a toy or some food.
- Create a den – Where your dog would like it! Maybe your dog has chosen before.
- A safety rug – always a great place for cuddles.
- The power of food – good nutrition powers the ability to handle stress.
- Lower the lighting.
- Never leave your dog alone – always make sure you’re in line of sight.
- Use background noise to hide or break up the sounds.
- Ensure your pooch is exercised mentally, but not over-exercised physically.
- Be careful of changing routines in case that also upsets your dog.
- Only walk during the day – if that’s not possible, avoid the walk completely.
- Don’t leave your dog home alone.
- Make sure your dog has his ID tag on in case it bolts (your surname, house name or number, postcode and telephone number).
- Shut all windows and draw all curtains as soon as it starts to get dark.
- Makes sure all outside doors and windows are locked and inform any household members or visitors to keep them that way.
- Consider supplements such as Zyklene, Pet Remedy, Yucalm or holistic treatments.
And yes, you can soothe your dog, but be careful not to overdo it.
Contact us on 07970 488 395 for more information if necessary.
Thank you for reading ‘Bonfire Night – Firework-Phobic Dogs: Keep your Furry Friend Safe and Happy‘. For more pet related articles, click here.
Author: Karen Boyce for Love Wrexham Magazine
Karen Boyce is the founder of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services (BTPDS), established in 2007. As the largest independent dog training facility in Wales, BTPDS specialises in puppy training and managing reactive dogs, while also offering a wide range of obedience classes, lectures, webinars, and online training hubs and communities. In 2019, Karen was honoured as the Animal Star Awards Dog Trainer/Behaviourist of the Year. In 2025, BTPDS surpassed the milestone of training 2,000 puppies and was named the Overall Winner in the Best of North Wales Business Awards, in addition to being recognised as the Best Pet Services Business in North Wales. Contact Details: - Phone: 07970 488 395 - Email: [email protected] - Website: www.beastlythoughts.co.uk
