Dog owners are often faced with the challenge of keeping their pets calm during the noisy and chaotic celebrations of Bonfire Night. The loud bangs and flashes of fireworks can trigger fear and stress in dogs and cats, leading to distress for both pets and their owners. As the night approaches, many pet owners express their concerns on social media, highlighting the impact fireworks have on their furry companions.
To address this issue, Green Pantry has collaborated with a professional dog trainer to provide strategies for helping pets stay calm during Bonfire Night. Simon Booth, the Managing Director, stresses the importance of considering a pet’s diet to manage anxiety levels. Choosing meals designed to alleviate anxiety and containing ingredients like Valerian and Hemp can help support relaxation and reduce stress in pets.
Dog Trainer Phil Legood offers practical advice on preparing a pet-friendly environment during fireworks. He suggests ensuring the home is secure to prevent pets from escaping if they get spooked and recommends keeping curtains closed to minimize exposure to flashing lights. Phil also recommends using sound to disguise the noise, such as playing calming music or background TV.
It’s crucial for pet owners to observe their pets’ behaviour and respond accordingly to alleviate anxiety. Phil advises allowing dogs to hide if they feel safer that way and providing reassurance and comfort when needed. To keep pets distracted, he suggests using scent-based activities like hiding treats around the house. For cats, Simon recommends creating hiding spaces indoors and keeping them indoors on Bonfire Night.
Looking ahead, Phil highlights the importance of desensitisation training for pets by gradually exposing them to loud noises like fireworks. By playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume and associating the sounds with positive experiences, pets can build resilience to such stimuli. Ben the Vet from TikTok also suggests using calming music to help muffle out firework noise.
In summary, the collaboration between Green Pantry and a professional dog trainer offers valuable insights and practical tips for pet owners to help their furry friends stay calm and safe during Bonfire Night. By considering factors like diet, environment, and desensitisation training, pet owners can make a significant difference in how their pets experience the stressful festivities.