Bentley goes **boo**
Fireworks can be beautiful, but for many dogs, the loud sounds and bright flashes can be overwhelming. As fireworks season approaches, it’s important to prepare your dog for these events to reduce stress and ensure their safety. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help your pupper fluffer feel safe, calm, and comfortable during fireworks.
1. Create a Safe Space
Most dogs feel more secure in a familiar, cozy environment. Here’s how you can set up a “safe haven” for your pet:
Choose a Quiet Room: Pick a room away from windows and outside noise. Add some of their favorite bedding or toys. If you use a crate, great, make sure it is available for them but don’t force them into it - it still needs to be their happy place.
Darken the Space: Close curtains and blinds to reduce visual stimuli from fireworks.
Play Calming Music: Soft music or white noise can help muffle the loud sounds from outside and create a calming environment.
2. Use Calming Aids
Several natural and commercial aids can help reduce your dog’s anxiety.
Aromatherapy: Pet-safe essential oils like lavender or chamomile can have a soothing effect. Use a diffuser to release calming scents into the air (but avoid direct contact with the oil). Bentley uses this one.
Thundershirts: These specially designed shirts apply gentle pressure to mimic swaddling, which can help calm your dog. Here are some options.
Pheromone Diffusers: Dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) diffusers mimic natural comforting scents and can create a sense of security. Check out some options from Pet Direct here.
3. Keep Your Dog Active During the Day
A tired dog is often a calmer dog. On the day of expected fireworks:
Exercise: Take your dog for a long walk or engage in playtime to use up extra energy.
Interactive Toys: Use puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to keep them mentally stimulated, which can help reduce anxiety.
4. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions, so staying calm can help them feel safe.
Act Naturally: Behave as you normally would. If you appear overly concerned, it may signal to your dog that there’s a reason to be worried.
Give Reassurance: Gentle petting, soothing words, or being close by can help comfort a nervous dog.
5. Safety First: Keep Your Dog Indoors
Even if your dog is normally fine with fireworks, it’s safer to keep them inside:
Secure Windows and Doors: Dogs may try to escape if they feel frightened. Make sure doors and windows are closed to avoid any chance of them running outside.
Double-Check ID Tags: In case your dog does slip out, ensure they’re wearing up-to-date ID tags.
6. Gradual Desensitization (Long-Term Solution)
If your dog consistently reacts poorly to fireworks, gradual exposure can help build resilience over time:
Play Firework Sounds: Start with low-volume recordings of fireworks for short periods, gradually increasing the volume as your dog becomes accustomed.
Reward Calm Behavior: Offer treats or praise when they stay relaxed. Over time, this can help them associate fireworks with positive experiences.
While fireworks can be challenging for our four-legged friends, a few proactive steps can make a huge difference. By preparing in advance, you can help your dog stay calm, secure, and comfortable during fireworks. For personalized tips and care, feel free to reach out to us at Bentley Goes Woof – we’re here to help make every adventure (even indoors) a safe one!
Addtional resources:
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/stories/preparing-for-fireworks
Spotify playlist of sounds to desensitizing to varous noises: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OJH0K8EDYppS9YJLnaHKg?si=vj_-LcmYSZevuC-goKkxqQ&pi=a-bvDvF2bSRP6d
Calming playlist to try and chill out your pup:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Cinr056vN1JUmpywoFWNg?si=FGVa74loQnyO9PkJ2hWARA&pi=a-NhfAyyiSTd-t
