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For some owners and dogs, Bonfire Night and fireworks season are a huge source of tension and stress. Dogs suddenly become a shell of their normal selves, and owners are constantly on edge, worried about their pet’s wellbeing.
Of course, not every dog will be fearful of the loud bangs and shrill screeches - but a large number are. In fact, up to 17-49%* of dogs can have a noise phobia. A dog’s fear may be obvious, though some of the more subtle signs can be easily overlooked.
While canine anxiety isn’t an easy issue to tackle, there are plenty of things we can do, especially when it comes to pre-Bonfire Night preparation. Patience is key as this isn't something that resolves overnight. But with the right approach, and expert help, it can be tackled head-on and will make next year’s fireworks season more enjoyable.
Thankfully, there are a wide range of products out there that are specifically designed to help relax your anxious dog - including here at Pooch & Mutt!
Consider looking into the following in the lead-up to Bonfire Night to help create a chilled-out pooch.
As many dog owners will agree, not all dogs are spooked by firework bangs. For certain breeds, their genetics are sure to play a role. Gun dogs that are used to being close to loud explosions are less commonly affected than other breeds. One Norwegian study showed that the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and Lagotto Romagnolo were the most likely to have a noise sensitivity. Spaniels tend to be under-represented.
A dog’s early experiences can also shape them. If they have had lots of positive experiences exposing them to loud noises and fireworks from a young age, they're more likely to be tolerant of them when older.
Anxiety-prone dogs, for example, those who already have separation anxiety and a fear of new places, tend to be more affected. Conversely, confident dogs who are social and cope well in other situations are far less likely to be worried about fireworks.
Signs of a noise phobia during firework season will vary between dogs, and can include:
Signs may seem to start before you hear a noise, as dogs have such good hearing that they often pick up on noises before we do. Symptoms can go on for long after the fireworks have stopped too, as your dog’s stress hormone levels remain high.
There any many celebrations and seasonal events in the UK that often come along with fireworks lighting up your neighbourhood. To make sure you can prep your pooch, here are a few key dates for your 2024/2025 calendar:
If you’re looking to help prepare your dog for Bonfire Night, don’t forget to explore Pooch & Mutt’s entire Calm & Relaxed Range. And of course, a few treats for positive reinforcement wouldn’t hurt - there are plenty of tasty flavours AND nutritional benefits. If you have any questions about the Calm & Relaxed Range, be sure to contact the expert Pooch and Mutt team.
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