How to reduce your dog's stress levels this Bonfire Night
Are you wondering how to reduce your dog's stress levels this Bonfire Night? The majority of the time, our dogs are lively and happy but, just like us humans, some events and occasions can trigger anxious behaviours – and that includes Bonfire Night.
Research from The National Dog Happiness Survey, carried out by Lintbells, asked 2,000 dog owners to rate their animal's mood in different situations. Unsurprisingly, being scared of firework noise was the third biggest stress trigger for their dogs, after moving house and welcoming a new family member.
In a recent study conducted by the RSPCA, guide dogs could be unable to work due to the trauma of garden firework displays. Ms Jones, who was training her guide dog Hector in the middle of the day, said he was left traumatised by fireworks. "There was a firework display being let off only 40 metres in front of us so Hector could see it and hear it as well," she told the BBC.
"He panicked, was pulling on the lead and trying to run away as he wanted to get away from the noise, so I had to just take him away from the situation as quickly as possible."
Following on from this research, the RSPCA is now urging local authorities to raise awareness around animal distress.
With that in mind, and with the most popular fireworks night of the year upon us, Lintbells vet James Howie shares his tips on how to reduce your dog's stress levels this bonfire night...
"The first thing to understand is that noise phobias don't get better with time," explains James. "In fact in most cases, the fearful reaction will become worse year on year."
Tip:From 5 pm to 9 pm on Saturday 4th November and Sunday 5th November, Charlotte Hawkins will present Classic FM’s Pet Classics – a radio show dedicated to keeping you and your pet relaxed during fireworks season. They'll play specially curated soothing music to help calm the nerves of our favourite furry companions and ease their stress during the fireworks season.
Are you looking for how to keep your dog calm this Bonfire Night? Take a look at the various things you should do — and shouldn't do — to help them out.
How to reduce your dog's stress levels this Bonfire Night
DO
1. Keep your dog safe indoors and ensure they have identification such as a registered microchip and a collar with a disc including your contact details – 37% of survey respondents said their dogs are likely to react to stress by running away.
2. Provide a safe hiding place indoors (such as a tent or pet bed in a quiet, secluded part of the house) – 56% of dog owners said that their dogs tend to react to stress and anxiety by cowering or hiding.
3. Act calmly and normally, as providing too much fuss can reinforce the idea that there is something to be afraid of.
4. Make sure the environment is safe in case your dog starts to react uncharacteristically – 13% of survey respondents said their dogs become destructive when stressed.
5. Draw the curtains or blinds and, if necessary, drape additional fabric to muffle noise and flashes of light.
6. Take your dog for a long walk during the day so they are more likely to rest or sleep in the evening.
7. Think about using a supplement or other aid to help your dog feel calm and relaxed.
8. If they want time alone, let them have space. This is your pet's way of coping.
9. Ask your vet or certified animal behaviourist for advice about long-term training which can include desensitisation (helping your dog to become accustomed to triggers over time by slowly building up their exposure) and counter-conditioning (helping your dog to start associating a fearful event with positives rather than negatives).
DON'T
10. Keep the house in silence. A radio or TV can help mask the noise of fireworks.
11. Leave your dog alone at night if at all possible – 21% of survey respondents felt that being left alone was stressful for most dogs and it's estimated that up to 80% of dogs suffer from some form of separation anxiety when their owners are absent.
12. Punish your pets. It's not their fault if they are scared.
13. Ignore them. If they are nervous, a cuddle or pat could help to calm them down.
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