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Fireworks Guide

Guide to Keeping Your Rescue Dog Calm During Fireworks Night

Fireworks night can be stressful for many dogs, especially those who have been rescued and might already be dealing with anxiety or trauma. The loud, unexpected sounds, flashing lights, and vibrations can trigger fear and stress, causing them to feel unsettled. Thankfully, there are several ways to help your rescue dog remain calm and feel secure during the noise and chaos of fireworks night. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your dog feels as safe as possible.

  1. Create a Safe Space

    Your dog needs a secure place to retreat during the fireworks. Here’s how to make that space:
    Choose a quiet room: Pick an area of your home that is farthest from the noise outside. Close the windows and draw the curtains to muffle the sound and block the light.

    Build a cozy den: Dogs feel safest when they can burrow. Set up a crate, blanket fort, or a secluded corner with their favourite bedding and toys. Add extra soft blankets so they can snuggle in and feel protected.

    Familiar scents: Place items with your scent (like an old t-shirt) in their den to provide them with a sense of comfort.

    This space should be available for your dog to enter and exit freely, as forcing them to stay in one area can increase their anxiety.

  2. Provide Background Noise

    Drown out the sound of fireworks by introducing other, more familiar sounds:

    Play calming music: There are playlists specifically designed to soothe anxious dogs. Classical music or low, steady beats can help drown out the explosions.

    Turn on the TV or radio: Background noise like the TV or a podcast can help mask the firework sounds. Make sure it’s something peaceful or familiar to your dog.

    The goal is to keep your dog distracted with noise that’s more constant and calming than the unpredictable fireworks.

  3. Calming Products

    There are several products on the market designed to calm dogs during stressful times:

    Thundershirt or calming wraps: These snug-fitting garments apply gentle pressure to your dog’s body, which has a calming effect, similar to swaddling a baby. They can help dogs feel more secure during loud events.

    Adaptil diffusers and sprays: These products emit a synthetic version of the pheromone that mother dogs produce to soothe their puppies. These scents can create a calming environment for your dog.

    Natural calming supplements: Products like CBD oils (specially formulated for dogs), valerian root, or chamomile can help reduce anxiety. Always consult your vet before giving your dog any new supplement.

  4. Stay Calm and Present

    Your dog will take cues from your behaviour. If you stay calm and relaxed, your dog is more likely to follow suit.

    Act normal: Don’t make a fuss over the fireworks or your dog’s reactions. The more you overreact or console your dog excessively, the more they might believe there’s something to be afraid of.

    Give them attention: If your dog seeks comfort, calmly pet them or talk to them in a soft, soothing voice. Don’t punish or scold them for showing fear, as this will only increase their anxiety.

    Remember, each dog reacts differently. While some might want to be close to you, others may prefer to hide in their safe space.

  5. Exercise Beforehand

    One of the best ways to manage your dog’s anxiety is to tire them out before the fireworks begin.

    Take a long walk: If possible, give your dog plenty of physical and mental stimulation earlier in the day, before the fireworks start. A long walk or a fun play session will help burn off excess energy, making it easier for them to relax later.

    Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, or games that challenge your dog’s brain can help tire them out mentally, reducing the chances of stress during fireworks.

  6. Distraction with Toys and Treats

    If your dog is feeling a little stressed but isn’t panicking, distracting them with a favourite toy or treat can help keep them occupied.

    Interactive toys: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter or give them a long-lasting chew toy. Engaging their mind with something positive and rewarding can help them focus on the activity rather than the noises outside.

    Snuffle mats or food puzzles: These can help calm your dog by tapping into their natural instincts to forage for food. The focus on finding treats can divert their attention away from the fireworks.

  7. Fireworks and Hunting Season Triggers

    Some rescue dogs may have had particularly traumatic experiences with loud noises. Fireworks, hunting guns, and even traditional UK shoots can all be potential triggers. Here’s how to manage those specific stressors:

    Fireworks in other countries: In countries like Spain, Turkey, and Greece, fireworks are common, and many rescue dogs may have been forced to tolerate them, often confined to outdoor, restricted spaces. While some dogs adapt, many remain deeply scared.

    Hunting season (October to February): In regions where fireworks and gunfire from hunting overlap, dogs might be especially sensitive during these months. If your dog is gun-shy or suffers from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), the sounds of fireworks may resemble gunfire, heightening their fear.

    Rural areas and weekend shoots: If you live in a rural setting, it’s possible that the noise from traditional Saturday shoots or gunfire may set off similar stress in your dog. This can be an ongoing challenge, so taking preventive steps (such as calming products or desensitisation training) will be essential to their long-term wellbeing.

  8. Consider Desensitisation (Long-term Strategy)

    If fireworks happen frequently in your area, consider using desensitisation techniques to reduce your dog’s fear over time.

    Play recordings of fireworks: Start by playing low-level firework sounds while engaging your dog in a positive activity, such as feeding or playing. Gradually increase the volume over weeks or months, always ensuring your dog remains comfortable.

    Pair with rewards: Whenever your dog hears the sounds without reacting negatively, reward them with treats and praise. This teaches them to associate the noise with something positive rather than scary.

  9. Use Professional Help if Needed

    If your dog has extreme anxiety, consult a professional behaviourist. They can help develop a tailored plan for your dog, potentially using behaviour modification techniques or in severe cases, anti-anxiety medications prescribed by your vet.

Final Tips:

Keep your dog indoors: Ensure all doors, windows, and escape routes are secure. Rescue dogs, especially, may try to bolt when frightened, so it’s best to have them safely inside.

Microchip and ID tags: Ensure your dog’s microchip information is up to date, and that they are wearing a collar with ID tags, just in case they manage to escape.

 As a quick side note:  Some rescue dogs may find that metal tags banging on a metal feeding bowl startling, if the sound is loud.   This could put your rescue dog off eating their food.  If you notice behaviour like this, our suggestion is to change the ID tag to one that is embedded in the collar and not dangling or replace with a plastic one and or change the metal bowl to a ceramic or plastic one instead.

Conclusion

Fireworks night can be daunting for a rescue dog, but with preparation, patience, and a calm approach, you can help minimize their stress. The key is to create a comforting environment, distract them from the noise, and stay composed yourself. Each dog is unique, so find the strategies that work best for yours, ensuring they feel as safe and loved as possible during these challenging moments.

Helpful Products!

If you’re looking for proven solutions to help your rescue dog stay calm and relaxed, here are some fantastic products that have worked wonders for our Pointer Rescue adopters!

The links for these products can be found on the written guides on The Pointer Rescue Service website.

The Beaphar Herbal Calming Spray is perfect for creating a peaceful home environment. Simply spray it around your home to soothe your pup with natural calming ingredients.

Click Here!

For on-the-go relief, the Beaphar Herbal Calming Spot-On offers a convenient way to keep your dog calm during walks or trips.

Click Here!

The Adaptil Diffuser is a plug-in that mimics calming pheromones, helping reduce stress and anxiety in your dog. Many adopters have noticed a significant difference with this product.

Click Here!

Lastly, for more physical comfort, the ThunderShirt provides gentle, constant pressure, which helps ease anxiety caused by loud noises or travel.

Click Here!

These products have been tried and tested by our adopters with amazing results—give them a go and help the furry member of your family feel more at ease!