Preparing your dog for fireworks night...

Guy Fawkes night is fast approaching... Is your dog ready?

That times of year many of us dread is fast approaching.  Firework season.  It's not just the 5th of Nov, but often days and even weeks before and after that has our dog stressed out.

In Advance
1. Speak to a vet
If your dog struggles with fireworks, now is the time to speak to your vet and get prepared.  If your dog shows severe anxiety then I highly recommend speaking to your vet about the variety of medication that is available.

Sileo is a make of sedative medication designed to help with fear of fireworks.  Have a work with your vet as soon as you can to see what they can offer.

Pain/discomfort can also really heighten your dog's sensitivity to sounds.  Even if you don't think your dog is ready for long term pain treatment it can be really helpful to discuss whether this would be helpful to your dog around about bonfire night.

Two of my dogs are getting older and have aches and pains.  Both will be on the maximum dose of their pain relief around about firework season

2. Start a desensitisation plan
While it's usually impossible to create a training plan to fully desensitise a dog to fireworks, because the explosive nature of fireworks is impossible to replicate. There is still lots that can be done to help, especially with puppies who have no experience of fireworks, or are not completely terrified.

Here's a basic plan on how to start.

1. Find some fireworks sounds to play.  You can find these on music apps or youtube
2. Prepare your dog something nice to do, like a food puzzle/kong or a nice chew.  
3. Play the firework noises so quietly your dog does not react at all.
4. You can have other noises on too, like the tv or radio
5. Keep sessions short
6. Repeat the session and increase the volume. 
7. The goal is to systematically increase the volume, but ensuring your dog shows no response. 

One the night

1. Create a Safe Haven
Provide you dog with a secure and comforting space. Choose a quiet room in your home and set it up with their favorite blanket, toys, and perhaps an item of your clothing (your scent can be reassuring). Close the curtains or blinds to minimise the visual impact of fireworks, and play some calming music, white noise or taiko drumming to muffle the loud bangs.

Many dogs will chose to hide in places, like the shower or unusual spots.  This is thought to be because the explosions cause the air to become positively charge, like during thunderstorms and being near copper pipes is calming.

Let your dog choose their safe spot.

2. Keep Your Dog Indoors
It's so easy for even the most robust dog, to get a fright from a particularly loud firework.  Lots of dogs run off in terror around fireworks night.  Take no risks.

3. Tire your dog out
To make sleep more easy for your dog, try and get them out for a good walk during daylight.  Some extra training, brain games or scentwork can also help them start the night in a nicely tired state.

My dogs love searching for a hidden treat.  A few repetitions of this helps settle them, or can even be a welcome distration.

4. Distraction Techniques
Engage your dog with their favorite toys or treats to divert their attention from the fireworks. Chewing on a treat-filled toy or playing interactive games can be excellent ways to keep them occupied and alleviate anxiety.  Snuffle mats, lick bowls, kongs, dried skins.  Stock up.

5. Calming Products
Some dogs benefit from support from some of the calming products on the market.  Thunder shirts, calmex, zylkein, etc.  However, this aren't magic and for many dogs, your money would be better spent elsewhere.

6. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Dogs are sensitive to your emotions, so it's crucial to remain calm and composed during fireworks. It's absolutely ok to offer your dog reassurance and cuddles if that is what they need.  However the most important thing is to model calm disinterest in the fireworks.  You're dog will be looking for your opinion on the matter, so be calm, be jolly, be their safe person.