How you can help your dog

When fireworks are expected, you can help your dog by:

• Making sure his environment is safe and that he cannot escape.
• Ensuring he always wear a collar and disk – just in case of a successful escape attempt.
• Trying to ignore any signs of restlessness and stress and rewarding any calm, relaxed behaviour.
• Preparing a “den” for him, away from windows. Cover a table with a  blanket or lace his bed behind a sofa where he will feel safe, secure and comfortable.
• Closing the curtains to reduce the likelihood of flashes, and turn on the TV or radio.
• Feeding your dog before the noise starts – this should encourage him to rest.
• Not leaving him alone – dogs are pack animals and need the security and confidence provided by the presence of others.
• Finding him a friend! The companionship of a confident dog can give reassurance to a fearful one.
• Occupying him with food-filled toys or other fun activities.
• Choosing safe times for exercise and relief.
• Temporarily moving his sleeping area. Moving it closer to you can increase his confidence.
• Remaining calm and relaxed yourself (even if you’re frightened of fireworks too!).

What not to do

We would advise you never to:

• Let your dog go outside when fireworks are sounding, even if he shows no signs of stress.
• Exercise or walk him when fireworks are likely.
• Punish your dog for being frightened.
• Leave him alone during the firework period.
• Fuss or try and reassure your dog when he is frightened, as this rewards the fear behaviour and will encourage him to repeat it.

Further help for you and your dog

If you take all these steps and your dog is still very distressed by firework noise, you may need some additional help from a specialist, such as a health advisor, dog trainer, behaviourist or vet.

There are also a number of products and resources on the market which can help. These include:

• Desensitisation CDs (recordings of noises which enable the dog to get used to them in a safe environment)
• Behaviour modification programmes
• Homeopathic remedies
• Pheromonatherapy
• Complementary therapies
• Prescribed medication – supervised by a vet

Good luck!

The earlier in advance you begin your preparations, the more likely it is that your dog will be able to cope with the sound of fireworks. A vet or behaviourist can give you specific techniques to help him to adjust to sudden sounds in a safe environmnent,

If you are a guide dog owner, or a volunteer working with guide dogs or pups, and are having difficulties with your dog because of fireworks, please contact your local Guide Dogs staff.