Taunton and South Somerset Living Oct - Nov 2021

FIREWORKS
Keeping your dog safe, calm and happy
Seasonal fireworks celebrations
can be a stressful time for many of
our four-legged friends, with loud
noises and bright lights causing
fear, anxiety and unexpected
behaviour.
To help owners and dogs enjoy this
fireworks season more comfortably, The
Kennel Club has rounded up tips on
how to help dogs feel safe during the
celebrations this autumn.
Preparation is key
A major reason why fireworks scare dogs
is the loud and unexpected noise. You can
help prepare your dog by playing them
fireworks sounds in the weeks leading up
to fireworks night. This will help your dog
get used to the disturbing noise in the
safety of their home.
To help your dog feel secure and
comfortable, make sure they have a safe
den which they can retreat to if they feel
scared, and fill it up with their favourite
toys, blankets, an item of unwashed
clothing, and other items that make them
feel safe and calm.
Make sure that you walk and feed your
dog ahead of any evening displays. It
could be a while before it is safe to venture
outside again for a bathroom break and
they might not be able to eat later if they
are feeling very anxious.
To keep your dog safe, make sure you
shut all the doors and windows in your
home and draw the curtains. This can help
reduce some of the noise and block out
any scary flashes of light. Make sure that
your garden is escape proof and don’t
forget to block off any cat flaps.
Keep calm and cuddle up
To help your dog relax while fireworks
take place, try to behave as normally as
possible and remain calm and happy,
sending positive signals to your dog. You
can also try distracting your dog from the
fireworks noise by having the TV or radio
switched on.
Reward their calm behaviour with treats
or playing, and don’t tell them off - it is
natural for dogs to be scared of loud
noises and unfamiliar sights. Dogs might
choose to hide under the bed or behind
furniture, so make sure you are aware of
their whereabouts. If your dog comes to
you for comfort make sure to give it to
them and never try to force your dog to
face their fears.
Lost and found
The confusion and stress that fireworks
can cause to dogs mean more tend to
sadly go missing during the fireworks
season. It’s important to be extra cautious
and ensure your dog doesn’t escape or
run away during fireworks displays by
following the steps above and shutting
all windows, doors and other potential
escape routes ahead of time.
Early October is a particularly good time
of the year to make sure that your dog’s
microchip details are up to date and that
they are wearing a collar and ID tag -
although this is important all year around.
Correct and up to date contact details
make it easier to locate and reunite lost
dogs with their owners.
More tips on how to keep your dog safe
and sound during the fireworks season are
available at The Kennel Club’s website.
www.thekennelclub.org.uk
28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk