How to keep your dogs calm during fireworks

Loud or unexpected noises like fireworks can be distressing for dogs. With New Year’s Eve around the corner, it’s important owners take vital steps to keep them safe.

According to research conducted by the RSPCA, over 60% of pets feel stressed by the noise and chaos of private displays. Meanwhile, a separate study, carried out by Joules, revealed that 65% of owners say their pets are frightened by the sound of fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

On celebratory nights like New Year’s Eve, you may notice your dog showing signs of a panic attack. Some of these distressed signs to look out for include:

• Shaking
• Drooling
• Excessive panting
• Hiding away
• Ears back
• Causing a mess at home

“Many dog owners consider their pets part of the family, so it’s natural to want to include them in New Year’s celebrations. However, the festivities can be challenging for dogs, with extra people, changes to routines, and the noise of fireworks often causing anxiety,” says Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust.

Some of the ways you can keep your dog calm during a New Year’s Eve fireworks display include:

• Move your dog to a quiet room in the house before fireworks are likely to begin. Create a ‘safe haven’ filled with their favourite toys, blankets and snacks. Introduce the area in advance so that they can familiarise themselves beforehand.

• Close curtains and windows to muffle the sound from the outside. Make sure to do this in the room your dog is in so they don’t see any flashes through the window.

• Drown out the noise of fireworks. Animal behaviourist, Kimberley Grundy, says: “Classic FM radio station should have their normal calming show on for dogs but any music will help. I often suggest also putting the TV on with something loud to try to drown out the noise of the fireworks as much as possible (remember dogs’ hearing is more acute than ours and they will most likely be able to smell the fireworks).”

• Distract them with toys. “If they are not overly worried then we can often distract them with games, enrichment toys, and training so they are focused on something else instead,” adds Kimberley.

• Don’t leave them alone. Be available for your dog at all times and ensure they are not left alone. “Make sure to sit in a space where your dog can easily seek you out if they want to,” she adds.

• Secure your home and garden. Dogs can attempt to run away if they are scared, so ensure doors and gates are secure.

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