Bonfire Night: 7 Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm and Safe

Fireworks can be a frightening experience for our four-legged friends. Pooches of Pitshanger shares seven practical tips to help keep your dog feeling safe, secure and comfortable this Bonfire Night.

While many of us look forward to the colourful displays and celebrations of Bonfire Night, the loud bangs and bright flashes can be stressful for dogs. Their sensitive hearing means fireworks can be particularly unsettling, sometimes leaving them anxious and frightened.

The good news is that a little preparation can make a real difference. From creating a cosy retreat at home to planning your walks carefully, there are several simple steps you can take to help your dog cope with the festivities.

Pooches of Pitshanger has shared seven top tips to help your canine companion feel more comfortable this Bonfire Night.

1. Create a safe haven

Prepare a cosy den well in advance of Bonfire Night, ideally in the quietest room of your home. Fill it with your dog's favourite blankets and toys, along with an item of your clothing so your familiar scent is close by.

Having a comfortable, familiar space to retreat to can help your dog feel more secure when the fireworks begin. Let them choose whether to use it and make sure they can come and go freely.

2. Walk your dog during daylight hours

Try to fit in your dog's main walk during daylight, before fireworks are likely to start. Unexpected bangs can happen earlier than expected, so keep your dog securely on a lead in case they become startled.

Even a normally confident dog can panic at the sound of fireworks, so taking precautions is particularly important during this time of year.

3. Keep windows, doors and cat flaps securely shut

Loud noises can cause dogs to bolt or try to escape, even from familiar surroundings. Keep windows and external doors securely closed, and make sure any cat flaps are shut if your dog could use them to get outside.

Drawing the curtains will also help block out the flashes of light, making the environment feel calmer and more settled.

4. Mask the sounds of fireworks

Turning on the television or radio, or playing some calming music, can help soften the sound of fireworks outside.

Choose familiar, soothing background sounds and keep the volume at a comfortable level. While this won't block out every bang, it may help make the sudden noises less noticeable.

5. Stay calm and offer reassurance

Dogs can pick up on our behaviour, so try to act as normally as possible if your dog seems anxious. Staying calm can help reassure them that they are safe.

Every dog is different, so pay attention to what your pet needs. If they want to sit beside you, lean against you or seek a little reassurance, it is absolutely fine to let them. Avoid forcing interaction if they would rather retreat to their safe space.

6. Offer toys and puzzle feeders

Distraction can be helpful for some dogs. Try offering a new toy or a puzzle feeder stuffed with treats to give them something positive to focus on while the fireworks are going off.

Choose something appropriate for your dog's usual chewing and feeding habits, and let them engage with it at their own pace. If they are too frightened to play or eat, don't force it.

7. Speak to your vet if your dog struggles with fireworks

If your dog experiences severe anxiety around fireworks, speak to your vet well before Bonfire Night. They can advise on suitable options for your individual dog, which may include prescribed calming medication, pheromone diffusers such as Adaptil or other appropriate treatments.

It's worth seeking advice early rather than waiting until your dog is already distressed. Your vet can help you develop a plan that best supports your pet.

Help your dog have a calmer Bonfire Night

With a little forward planning, you can help make Bonfire Night a more manageable experience for your dog. A safe, comfortable space, an earlier walk and a calm environment can all help reduce stress.

Remember that every dog responds differently to fireworks. Pay attention to their behaviour, give them the space and reassurance they need, and seek professional advice if their anxiety is severe.

A big thank you to Pooches of Pitshanger for sharing these helpful tips with Ealing Living readers.