How to Keep Your Dog Calm and Safe on Bonfire Night 🎆

Bonfire Night can be a lot of fun for us, but for dogs, the loud noises, flashes, and unexpected sounds can be very unsettling. With a few careful preparations, though, you can help your furry friend stay calm, comfortable, and safe. Here are some essential tips to make this Bonfire Night a stress-free experience for both of you.

1. Create a Cozy, Safe Space Indoors

Set up a calm, comforting area where your dog can retreat if they feel scared. A quiet room away from windows is ideal, and you can make it extra cozy with their favorite blanket, bed, and toys. Consider adding a cover over their crate or building a little “fort” to make it feel safe and enclosed.

Pro Tip: Add a few of their favorite treats or a comforting item, like an old t-shirt that smells like you, to reassure them.

2. Drown Out the Noise with Calming Sounds

Play some relaxing music or turn on the TV to help drown out the sounds of fireworks outside. There are even dog-specific playlists available online that are designed to reduce stress. Keep the volume at a comfortable level that won’t overwhelm your dog.

Idea: Classical music or white noise machines can be particularly soothing for pets.

3. Use Calming Dog Treats or Supplements

Calming treats or supplements, like the Some Grub Calming Treats from your latest box, can help reduce anxiety in some dogs. Look for natural calming ingredients such as chamomile, valerian root, or passionflower. Introduce these treats a few days before Bonfire Night to help your dog get used to them and experience their calming effects.

Note: Always check with your vet before introducing new supplements, especially if your dog has any health conditions.

4. Consider Anti-Anxiety Products

Anti-anxiety products, like calming sprays, plug-in diffusers, or weighted vests (like a Thundershirt), can also help reduce stress. A lavender-scented spray or pet-safe calming diffuser can help create a relaxing environment.

Quick Tip: Test these products in advance to ensure they have a positive effect on your dog and that your dog is comfortable with them.

5. Stay Calm and Offer Reassurance

Dogs are very sensitive to their owner’s emotions, so if you stay calm, it will help reassure them that there’s nothing to fear. Try to avoid making a fuss when the fireworks start, as comforting them too much might accidentally reinforce their anxious behavior.

Instead: Act normally, and give gentle reassurance by sitting with them quietly, or even engaging in a calming activity like gentle brushing if they enjoy it.

6. Take Them for an Early Walk

Exercise can help burn off extra energy, making your dog more relaxed. Make sure to take your dog for a walk earlier in the evening, well before the fireworks start. This way, they’ll be tired and less likely to get startled by the noise.

Safety Tip: Keep them on a lead even if it’s daytime, just in case someone nearby sets off fireworks early.

7. Keep Your Dog Indoors and Secure

Make sure all windows, doors, and gates are securely closed. Fireworks can cause even well-behaved dogs to act out of character, and some dogs might try to escape if they’re scared. Keeping them indoors reduces the risk of them running off in a panic.

Reminder: Double-check ID tags and microchip details are up-to-date, just in case.

8. Use Toys to Distract and Engage

Give your dog something fun to do while fireworks are going off outside. Puzzle toys or chew toys can provide a great distraction. A stuffed Kong with their favorite treat or peanut butter can keep them busy and help relieve stress through focused chewing.

Extra Idea: You can try filling the Fruit Cooling Toy from your summer box with treats and freezing it to create a tasty, long-lasting distraction.

9. Consider Professional Help for Severe Anxiety

If your dog has severe reactions to fireworks, consider speaking to your vet or a professional dog behaviorist. They may be able to recommend additional strategies or even short-term medications to help manage your pet’s anxiety.

With a little preparation, you can make Bonfire Night as stress-free as possible for your dog. By creating a comforting environment, keeping them entertained, and staying calm yourself, you’ll give them the reassurance they need to get through the night.

Remember: Every dog is different, so try out a few of these techniques to see what works best for your furry friend. Here’s to a peaceful Bonfire Night for you and your pup! 🐾