How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks: A Guide for Guy Fawkes and Diwali 2024

Fireworks can be a magical part of celebrations, but for many dogs, they can also be a source of anxiety and stress. With both Guy Fawkes Night on 5th November 2024 and Diwali (a 5 day festival with fireworks predominantly on one day), which falls on 1st November 2024, it’s important to prepare for those booming sounds and flashing lights that can unsettle your furry friend. Here’s how to help your dog stay calm and comfortable during this season of celebrations, with tips from reputable UK dog websites.

1. Prepare a Safe Space Before the Fireworks

Creating a safe space where your dog feels secure is one of the best ways to help them cope with fireworks:

• Set Up a Den: Designate a quiet room in your home as your dog’s safe space. Add their bed, blankets, and some of their favourite toys to create a cosy and familiar environment. The Kennel Club recommends making this space available in the days leading up to fireworks season so your dog gets used to it.
• Use Calming Products: Consider using calming sprays or diffusers, which release calming pheromones to help reduce stress. PDSA suggests placing a diffuser in your dog’s safe space to help them feel more at ease during noisy nights.

2. Desensitize Your Dog to Fireworks Sounds

Gradual exposure to the sound of fireworks can help some dogs become less sensitive to them:

• Use Sound Training: In the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes and Diwali, try playing recordings of fireworks sounds at a low volume while engaging your dog in play or training. Slowly increase the volume as they become more comfortable. The Dog's Trust offers a free online sound therapy and firework training resources that can help with this process.
• Make it Positive: Always pair the sound training with treats or playtime to create a positive association. If your dog shows signs of distress, stop and try again later at a lower volume.

3. Keep Them Inside During Fireworks

The best way to keep your dog safe during fireworks is to keep them indoors where they are less likely to be frightened or try to run away:

• Walk Them Early: Take your dog for a long walk before it gets dark and the fireworks start. A tired dog is more likely to be relaxed during the evening.
• Close Curtains and Windows: Close your curtains and windows to muffle the sound of fireworks and block out the flashes of light. This can help create a more peaceful environment inside.

4. Distract Them

Keeping your dog occupied can help take their mind off the loud noises outside:

• Kongs and Chews: Stuff a Kong with peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free) or other dog-friendly treats and freeze it. This can keep them busy for a while and provides a rewarding distraction. Dogs Trust suggests using long-lasting chews to help soothe dogs during stressful situations.
• Have a Bath: Bring the spa to your home and give your dog a nice at home  grooming session. Use calming Lavender & Chamomile Shampoo to help soothe any stress away. 
• Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys can engage your dog’s mind, helping them focus on something other than the sounds outside. Hide treats in a snuffle mat or play a game of hide-and-seek with their favourite toy.

5. Play Background Noise

Drowning out the sound of fireworks with calming music or white noise can make a big difference:

• Tune into the Radio: Classic FM's Pet Classics is hosted as an annual special radio show to play relaxing music to help pets during the peak fireworks days. They will be playing 5 - 9pm on Saturday 2nd November and Tuesday 5th November. 
• Play Calming Music: Create a playlist of relaxing music or use apps designed for dogs, like "iCalm," which offers classical music specifically aimed at reducing canine anxiety.
• Turn on the TV: Playing a familiar TV show or movie can provide a comforting background noise that helps cover the sound of fireworks. The familiar voices and sounds can help your dog feel more at ease.

6. Use Calming Wraps and Jackets

Many dogs find comfort in being gently wrapped or wearing a pressure vest:

• Try an Anxiety Wrap: Anxiety wraps apply gentle pressure to your dog’s torso, which can have a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby. This is recommended by The Kennel Club as a way to help some dogs feel more secure.
• DIY Wraps: If you don’t have an anxiety vest, you can create a similar effect using a snug-fitting T-shirt or by gently wrapping a soft scarf around your dog’s chest.
• Snoods: Can help quieten distracting noises for our dogs and come in a ranges of sizes to support the calming anxiety. 

7. Stay Calm Yourself

Dogs are incredibly attuned to our emotions, so staying calm can help your dog feel more relaxed too:

• Act Normal: Try to behave as you usually would during the fireworks. If you’re calm, your dog is more likely to pick up on your mood.
• Avoid Coddling: It’s natural to want to comfort a frightened dog, but excessive coddling can reinforce their fear. Instead, provide gentle reassurance and try to redirect their attention to a game or treat.

8. Consider Professional Help if Needed

If your dog’s fear of fireworks is severe, you may need to consult with a professional:

• Speak with a Vet: Your vet may be able to prescribe calming medications or supplements that can help your dog during particularly noisy nights.
• Behavioural Training: A certified dog behaviourist can help create a tailored desensitisation plan to reduce your dog’s fear over time. This can be especially helpful for dogs who experience extreme anxiety.

Bonus Tip: Plan Ahead for Next Year

If your dog struggled with fireworks this year, start preparing earlier for next year’s celebrations. Sound training and gradual exposure can take time, but with consistency, many dogs can become more comfortable with the noise.

Final Thoughts

Guy Fawkes and Diwali are festive times that many of us enjoy, but they can be challenging for our pets. By creating a safe space, providing distractions, and staying calm, you can help your dog get through the fireworks season with minimal stress. Remember, every dog is different, so find what works best for your furry friend and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet for additional support.

For more advice on managing your dog’s anxiety, check out resources from The Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, and PDSA. Wishing you and your dog a peaceful and safe fireworks season!