There’s something quite special about being huddled around a bonfire and oohing and ahhing at fireworks everytime there is a burst of colour. Fireworks can be a great way to celebrate an occasion – especially on Bonfire Night or on New Year’s Eve! But the loud noises and flashing lights of fireworks can be very frightening for our dogs.

Luckily, there are things you can do to minimise your dog’s stress levels during this time. In this guide from YuMOVE they cover some of our top tips on how to calm your dog during firework season.

Create a safe space

A dog’s natural instinct when they are frightened is to run away, so make sure that your outside doors are shut and that your pooch can’t get out. Keep a couple of internal doors open in your home so that they don’t feel trapped and confined to one space – this could make things worse if your dog feels like they can’t move. Creating a safe space for your dog and allowing them to have a choice of where to hide, will be a comfort to them. This might be their bed, a crate, a blanket under the table or space in your home which your dog feels comfortable in. Introduce this space in the weeks before you expect the fireworks to start so that your pet knows it’s somewhere they can de-stress and be safe.

Distract your pooch

Sometimes a tactical distraction can work wonders! Whether it’s your canines favourite toy, a yummy treat, a bit of relaxing brushing, or lots of cuddling and playing, taking your dog’s mind off what is going on outside and giving them some extra attention can be an effective way of dealing with anxiety.

Draw the curtains and close the windows

Try to block out as much noise and light as you can by keeping windows closed and locked. This will help to muffle the sound of fireworks. Closing your curtains or replacing them with darker/heavier curtains will also help to keep out any flashes of light that are associated with the “bang” of fireworks.

Play some music or turn on the TV

Part of the reason that dogs find fireworks scary is because of the loud crashing noises they make. The sudden bang of fireworks can be masked or diluted by keeping a radio or TV on, which can reduce the impact loud noises may have on your pet. In particular, playing calm music, such as classical music, not only blocks out the noise of the fireworks but it also seems to be a natural calming aid for nervous pets.

Remain calm yourself

Animals are highly perceptive creatures and will notice if their humans are behaving unusually. They naturally pick up on when their paw-rents are upset, frightened or stressed. Following your dog around or being overly affectionate could cause them to feel nervous or confused if they aren’t used to this behaviour. You can still reassure your pet, by playing with their favourite toy for example but try to behave as normally as possible. The more you change your behaviour, the more anxious your dog may become.

What to do if your dog still seems anxious

Seek advice from a vet

If these techniques don’t seem to work or if you feel that your dog may be experiencing prolonged anxiety or a change in behaviour, seek professional advice from your vet. They may be able to provide medication to help reduce your pet’s anxiety or put you in touch with a behavioural expert.

Try a natural calming aid

Scientifically-proven natural supplements can really help to calm your dog during firework season and all year round. Our YuMOVE Calming Care range helps to promote calmness and reduces anxiety, so this may be an option. It’s best to introduce the supplement in advance so your furry friend can have the best chance of staying calmer when the fireworks are lit.