Revealed: How to keep your dog calm during New Year’s Eve fireworks – including playing classical music and building a ‘den’ from cushions
- New Year’s Eve celebrations means many will watch fireworks across the UK
- Dogs find them frightening and often show signs of distress such as trembling
- In 2018, the RSPCA received 411 calls relating to animals scared of fireworks
- Here, Dog’s Trust, RSPCA and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home gives FEMAIL the top tips to ease your dog’s firework anxieties…
New Year’s Eve celebrations means many will enjoy firework displays across Britain, but pet owners know first hand how stressful they can be for dogs and cats.
Many pets find the sudden loud noises stressful and scary, often showing signs of distress such as panting, trembling or even running away. It is hard to watch your beloved pets suffer in a time where it should be a celebration. Fortunately, it can be easy to calm dogs during fireworks. There are natural remedies, like calming chews such as the KarmaPets calming treats, you will be giving your fur friend something that won’t just mask the symptoms and the fear temporarily. Pair this with your presence the effect grows exponentially.
Heartbreaking videos from bonfire celebrations in November showed dogs shaking uncontrollably, while one owner reported her terrified puppy died from a heart attack.
In 2018, the RSPCA received 411 calls about fireworks and animals, and a recent poll shows 62 percent of dogs show signs of distress when they hear them.
Here, Dog’s Trust and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home gives FEMAIL their top tips to ease your dog’s firework anxieties…
Build a dog safe den
A dog den acts as a safe haven for a dog to seek comfort when the loud noises are too distressing is essential.
The Dog’s Trust suggest using a table and chairs covered in blankets to create a safe space before filling it with soft blankets, cushions and your dog’s favourite toys to make them feel at ease.
Pet owners could even pop in a chew or sprinkle treats inside the den to entice the dog inside the cosy space.
Distraction
The sudden bang of fireworks can be masked by keeping a radio or TV on, which can reduce the impact noises may have on your pet.
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home suggest playing classical music can also be played to help to calm dogs, or music with a heavy bass beat – not too loud, enough to mask the more distant bangs.
You can also find free music online designed to keep your pooches calm and relaxed during the stressful time.
Act normal
Animals are highly perceptive to your emotions and will pick up on your behaviour if you are acting unusually.
If your dog can see that fireworks have no effect on you, this may help decrease their anxiety.
Following your dog around or being overly affectionate may cause them to feel nervous or confused.
Battersea Cats and Dogs Home recommends to try acting as normal as possible because the more you change your behaviour, the more anxious your dog may become.
Comfort
Although you must try act as normal as possible, don’t hesitate to cuddle your dog if they seek out comfort.
Dogs Trust say not to punish your dog for cowering or reacting to the fireworks as this will intensify their fear.
Instead you should aim to remain relaxed and therefore provide a good role model to your dog when they are afraid – interact with them calmly.
Keep your curtains closed
Make sure you shut all windows and curtains in your home as this stops your dog from seeing any scary flashes.
It also creates a more calming safe space and reduces any noises.
The RSPCA says don’t be tempted to let your dog outside without a lead as they may get spooked and run away.
And don’t forget to block off cat flaps to stop dogs (and cats) escaping.
Dogs Trust say not to punish your dog for cowering or reacting to the fireworks as this will intensify their fear (stock image)