Bonfire Night is a time of year that is dreaded by many dog owners and their dogs and cats. The sky is lit up and many dogs suffer fear and terror at the sound of the firework explosions.
Bonfire night can actually be a real ordeal for many pets. Of course, fear is a normal reaction which is important to survival but fear that is out of proportion to the danger can be problematic to both the owner and the dog.
There are a number of things you can do to plan ahead for bonfire night and actually on the night itself to make things more bearable for your dog.
Desensitisation
It is not just fireworks that can cause fear in our pets. Many are also terrified when they hear thunder or other loud noises.
By introducing your dog in a gradual and controlled manner to the sounds they fear, you are in effect desensitising them to the sounds. This is relatively easy to do but must be done very slowly over a number of months and with constant monitoring of your dogs responses. It is important not to rush any of the stages. Jumping ahead before your dog is ready will have the opposite effect to the one you want to achieve.
You can create your own sound recording or alternatively there are a number of CDs available on the market designed specifically for this purpose.
The ‘Sounds for Behaviour Therapy CD’ caters for 30 different types of sound such as crowds, trains, planes, cars, fireworks and more.
Crash Bang Wallop also do a ‘Sound Therapy CD’, or you might prefer their special Firework Edition. This CD will hold your hand throughout all the stages mentioned above, offering advice and spoken instruction and divided into 5 easy stages. It also includes a training booklet for extra help.
Once you have made or purchased your sound recording, play the sound very quietly as background noise while you both go about your usual day-to-day activities. Do not draw attention to the sound or fuss your dog. Gradually, for each session, increase the sound volume. The time you need to take on each stage can vary from dog to dog. Take your cue from your pet and do not proceed to the next stage until they are completely happy with the current volume level. Eventually the sound will become insignificant to your dog and they will ignore it. This is desensitisation.
There are also a number of other products that could help a fearful dog, such as the D.A.P. Diffuser and various calming remedies.
DAP
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.) plug-in diffusers emit a synthetic substance that mimics the reassuring pheromone produced by bitches for their puppies.
Ideally the diffuser should be used 24 hours a day, beginning at least 2 weeks before bonfire night and continuing for a week or so afterwards. It can help your dog to remain calm and can comfort both puppies and adult dogs during fearful situations such as episodes of loud noises and fireworks.
D.A.P. is also available in a spray form for more local applications to bedding or indoor kennels.
Alternative Treatments
Homoeopathic remedies can be useful, such as Bach Flower Remedies. Rescue remedy treatment should ideally be started a few days before bonfire night. Put about 5 drops (read the label) into your dogs food or water each evening.
Other natural remedies such as skullcap and valerian act as a herbal anxiety-relieving combination and can help at times of stress.
Remain Calm
During the time of the fireworks you must make sure that you do not inadvertently reinforce your dog’s unwanted behaviour by paying them extra special attention. This will only lead your dog to think that it is right to feel fear and also that by showing fear they gain your attention and comfort. This will reward their fear response and make it more likely to recur. Instead, remain calm and act as you usually would. Ignore fearful behaviours and reward calmness.
Lead by Example
Your dog will mirror your attitude. Giving your dog cuddles could make it seem that you are fearful too. If you remain calm then you encourage them to remain calm. Dogs also learn from each other. If you have a friend who has a dog that is not afraid of fireworks, invite them round for the evening. Your friend’s dog will help set the right example. A word of caution – learning by example can work both ways. If the visiting dog becomes anxious after observing your dog’s fear, do not continue.
Tired Out
If your dog has been for a nice long walk and is physically and mentally tired out, they will be much more likely to settle in the evening and less likely to worry about the noise, lights and activity outside.
Comfortable Surroundings
Take simple measures to make your dog comfortable such as closing the windows and curtains so that the sounds are not as loud and your pet cannot see the fireworks going off. It might also help if you provide your pet with a safe house such as a cosy den full of blankets. Make sure your dog views his den as his safe house by providing treats for him while he is in there and making sure he generally associates it with nice things.
Ideally, start this a week or two before firework night. All the blankets provide the perfect place for your dog to bury and hide when the noise starts.Some dogs can also benefit from being fed a meal high in carbohydrate (such as well-cooked rice or pasta) which will help them to feel sleepier that evening.
Comfort Food
Distract
Take all focus away from the fireworks by playing music and start a game with your dog, generally keeping him busy. Maybe treat your dog to a new toy and save it especially for Bonfire night. Some tasty treats will also help to create good associations with this time of year.
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