Remember remember this 5th of November!
Many dog owners across the UK will know the perils attached to Bonfire Night. Indeed it is estimated that over 45% of dogs develop seasonal anxiety attributed to fireworks.
The night can strike dear into the most placid of pooches as bangs, whizzes and sky soaring, ear splitting squeals delight firework audiences but stimulate odd behaviour in the family dog.
Anxiety in dogs can manifest itself in a number of ways and can include cowering and hiding, pacing, panting, urinating in undesignated areas, destructive behaviour, trembling or shaking and vocalising.
Many dogs seem to have no anxiety problems at all but can exhibit these signs around Bonfire Night so it is well worth being aware of any changes in your dogs behaviour and dealing with it accordingly.
As dog owners ourselves we’ve drawn on our pet owning experience and put a few tips together to make this Bonfire Night a pleasure for you and your dog, keeping everyone’s stress levels to a minimum.
Here are 7 Happy Dog Tips
Keep them safe;
Please don’t leave your dog unattended. Keep them indoors and keep them with a member of the family with whom they feel safe and secure.
Pump up the volume;
Elevate the noise level in your home – just a couple of levels higher on the TV or radio can help to blot out the firework noise.
Keep the noise out;
Keep blinds and curtains closed as soon as darkness falls. It can help to soften the noise and also stops the bright lights being seen by your pet.
Stay close;
Allow them to stay close to you. If they are not normally allowed in certain areas of your home perhaps considering relaxing the rules for one night only, or stay with them in their designated areas.
Get in early;
If you normally walk your dog after 5pm consider taking them out earlier to avoid the noise, bright lights and smells. It may just help to keep them calm, particularly if they have a more nervous disposition.
Easy does it;
Remember that dogs can pick up on anxiety in their humans fairly astutely so; if you remain calm and don’t make a big fuss you have a better chance of your pet doing the same.
All in the detail;
Ensure your dog has an identity tag on its collar and is micro-chipped (although this is required by law now). Should the worst happen and your dog runs away, you will have a much better chance of being re-united.
Stay safe! The Happy Dog Team
