Many dogs suffer from anxiety when the loud bangs and bright lights of fireworks start.
Here are some hints and tips to ensure you have a safe and happy dog this year.
Do -
- Have a cosy place for your dog to curl up and relax
- Behave normally, if you get frustrated or annoyed by the noise your dog WILL pick up on this and this will give him/her cause for concern
- Distract your dog from the noise by having the TV or radio on
- Take your dog for a walk prior to it getting dark, as you will be less likely to be disturbed by fireworks
- Shut all the curtains to prevent the flashes of light scaring your lovely pooch
- Keep your dog on a lead at all times, just in case a surprise loud bang startles them, this could cause them to run away
- Reward good behaviour with treats or playtime
Don’t -
- Take your dog to a firework display, even if it seems fine. Remember, their hearing is better than ours, so the loud bangs will be even worse for them!
- Leave your dog alone if it is scared of fireworks, this will make it worse
- Tell your dog off, it doesn’t understand what the noises are, don’t make it more anxious than it already is
fireworks make my dog so sad:(
— alicia (@aliciacheetham) October 19, 2015
How does your dog cope on Bonfire Night?
What do you do to ensure he or she feels safe? Tell us below.
