July 11th can be a hairy experience for dogs, given the celebrations, fireworks and bonfires with all the noise and a change in routine.
In the last five years animal charities have received thousands of calls about fireworks and the effects on pets.
And every July 11 and 12, Northern Ireland's lost and found animals groups come under huge pressure to help reunited frightened animals who have bolted in the dark of night.
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Today Burns Pet Nutrition suggests a few simple ways to help owners keep their pets as calm as possible, reduce anxiety and the possibility of disaster during noisy fireworks.
These are suggestions that may help but if you dog has a history of noise distress, it is best to leave the area of noise and find a calm spot elsewhere until calm resumes.
Some tricks to try to keep everyone calm
Build a Dog Den
One of the best ways to reduce dog anxiety during this time is to build them a doggy den. This provides them with their own space in a quiet part of the house where they can retreat with their favourite blankets and toys if they feel overwhelmed. For cats, we recommend creating the same calming space out of a cardboard box and some blankets, which could be placed high up on a sturdy shelf where cats feel the safest.
Provide Entertainment
Another way to keep pets calm is to provide a distraction with some entertainment. Stock up on some new toys that you can give them on the night, which would focus their attention elsewhere and hopefully encourage a positive association with the commotion outside. Similarly, both dogs and cats will benefit from having music or TV playing constantly, and slightly louder than normal, to balance the sudden bangs of the fireworks.
Consider Safety
As a safety precaution, make sure your windows and doors are closed during the celebrations, as your pets may react to the stress by attempting to run away. Taking your dog on a long walk during the day helps ensure that you won’t be outside when the festivities begin, and your dog will also be more likely to sleep through the most stressful parts of the night. Similarly, keeping your cat indoors after dark is a good way to make sure they’re safe.
Make Sure YOU Stay Calm
We know you care deeply for your pets and seeing them become anxious and frightened may cause you to become upset yourself, but we would ask that you try to remain as calm as possible. Your pets are more likely to feel settled if you are. You can also reward calm behaviour with playtime and some healthy treats, such as Burns natural dog treats.
Take Advantage of Natural Calming Products
An Adaptil diffuser or a Feliway diffuser set up in your home could calm your pet down enough so that they’re a bit more relaxed during bonfire night. For the most anxious dogs and cats, things like an anxious dog vest or medication for anxious dogs such as Zylkene or Calmex could be a great way to provide a little extra help for them.
The Pet Firework Safety Checklist
Make sure you do everything possible for your anxious dog or cat during fireworks night by checking out our dog and cat firework anxiety checklist:
- Buy a couple of new toys for your dog
- Buy calming tablets or a diffuser if needed
- Buy some treats
- Set up a dog
- Take your dog for an early walk
- Let them toilet early
Close the curtains, windows and doors
Play some music or turn up the TV
Play with your pet
- Stay with them and remain calm
While the Eleventh Night can be a great many people, for pets it can be one of the worst experiences.
With this in mind, we ask that you remember to stay safe and keep an eye on your family pets and if you see a dog in distress, please try to help secure them and look out for the lost and found notices that appear every year.
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