5 Ways To Ease Your Dog’s Stress From Fireworks

It’s so common for our dogs to be scared of fireworks, it can often be a difficult task to get them to calm down and realise that they won’t be hurt by the dreaded bangs. There are some simple things that you can do to help alleviate your dog’s stress from the noise and we’ve put together a list of small things you can do to help your dog out on Bonfire Night. 

1. Walk Your Dog During Daylight Hours
Making sure your dog is well-exercised during the day can help your dog to feel more relaxed and less ‘alert’ at night time. Keeping your dog indoors at night reduces their immediate exposure to the sound of fireworks, so if possible, make sure they’ve been to the toilet before fireworks are likely to start and after they’ve finished. 
 
2. Don’t Leave Your Dog Home Alone 
Obviously you can’t necessarily predict when fireworks will be going off, people tend to set off fireworks for family celebrations, religious celebrations, or even just for fun. But, there are certain days in the year when we know that there is likely to be a high intensity of fireworks such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. Wherever possible, try to be at home with your dog on these evenings, your dog will feel safest when you are present and a whole lot more at ease. 
 
3. Create a ‘Safe Space’ For Your Dog
Creating a little safe haven for your dog will encourage them to relax during the course of the evening. Dogs tend to try and hide in tight spaces when fireworks are going off and sometimes these tight spaces can be on the dangerous side, such as in cupboards, behind TVs or underneath furniture. Create a space especially for your dog, a good place to do this is in an enclosed space such as underneath the stairs, where they’ll feel safe. Make sure their favourite toys and blankets are in this space with them. Also, make sure all windows, blinds and curtains are closed to help buffer the sound. 
 
4. Ignore The Fireworks
Don’t make too much of a fuss about the bangs happening outside. Turn the TV up to help drown out the sound and act as you normally would. Making an issue out of the sound can add to your dog’s anxiety, so wherever possible act normal! It is fine to comfort your dog if they are in deep distress, but try not to react to the fireworks specifically. 
 
5. Try Anxious Hound
Anxious Hound is a daily natural supplement that is designed to support healthy mental and physical wellbeing in anxious or nervous dogs. It is 100% natural and is designed to help with many forms of anxiety in dogs including fireworks. It’s natural calming effect has helped thousands of dogs overcome anxiety on a daily basis. Read more about the benefits of Anxious Hound HERE.