This Bonfire Night, take care of your pets the right way by making sure they have a stress-free evening.
To help you along, Sky and NOW are launching a new TV channel geared towards keeping our four-legged friends occupied as we celebrate Guy Fawkes’ night.
The pop-up ‘BonfireNight’ channel will feature a collection of soothing and distracting films designed to keep dogs and cats calm during the UK’s annual bonfire night festivities.
Carefully curated by the Dogs Trust, the charity’s specialists have selected a feel-good entertainment schedule that’s free of loud, sudden sounds and suspenseful visuals.
Available on Sky channel 310, people (and their pets) can tune in from November 1 to November 6 to enjoy feel-good films with their four-legged friends.
Top picks everyone can enjoy include E.T., David Brent: Life on the Road, and Step Brothers, among other classics.
But why is keeping your pet distracted important?
According to veterinary surgeon and broadcaster Dr Scott Miller, bonfire night can cause some animals anxiety, so any distractions can be helpful.
“With an acute sense of hearing, particularly at the higher frequencies, many of our furry friends do not appreciate fireworks,” he explained.
“Occurring sporadically, suddenly and associated with flashes, bangs and vibrations, these celebratory light shows cause at least 50 per cent of dogs and cats to suffer with anxiety.”
He added: “Keeping them well exercised during the day, preparing your internal environment to reduce the impact of the bangs and flashes by pulling curtains, considering calming aids while offering a safe space or ‘den’ and remaining calm and relaxed yourself are all key ingredients to a Bonfire Night that the entire family can enjoy.”
The decision to launch the Bonfire Channel came from dog lovers within Sky’s leadership team, who wanted to ensure the nation’s pets were comfortable this Bonfire Night.
“As a dog lover myself, I know all too well how stressful Bonfire Night can be,” said Jamie Morris, Sky’s director of content strategy & performance.
“That's why we wanted to create something supportive to help dogs and their owners.
She added: “Working with the experts at Dogs Trust, and using their deep understanding of canine behaviour, we’ve delved into Sky Cinema’s extensive back catalogue of movie hits to ensure pets and owners alike get real comfort and support.”
Taking things one step further, Sky TV has also introduced a voice command that will take users straight to the Bonfire Night channel when they say “bark” into their SkyGlass or SkyStream remote.
Experts at the Dogs Trust also shared some important tips with pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night.
“A calm, relaxed environment can make a big difference in helping your dog feel safe and supported during firework season, so owners should plan for a cosy night in with them,” said Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour.
“Close the curtains, turn on the TV, and if your dog does seem worried, it’s worth distracting them with a game or treats to keep their attention away from the noises outside.”
For more advice on preparing your dog for fireworks, visit the Dogs Trust website.
