Dogs Trust offers advice to help your pooch this firework season

Halloween often marks the start of ‘firework season’ and communities across North Devon can expect to see and hear them up to November 5 – but what delights humans doesn’t do the same for dogs.

According to new research being circulated by Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, one in five people are negatively impacted by fireworks and of those, 93% say fireworks cause distress in pets. 

With firework displays expected to take place across the country over the coming days, Dogs Trust has issued practical advice and series of measures you can take to help your dogs stay safe and settled.

READ NEXT: Urgent appeal to find more foster carers for Dogs Trust Ilfracombe

Dom Burke, behaviour policy officer at Dogs Trust, said: “It’s really worrying to hear that so many owners report firework-related distress in their pets, but there are steps owners can take over the next few days to try to reduce the impact of fireworks on their dogs.

“One of the best things you can do is to stay calm yourself, as this will help your dog to stay relaxed; close the curtains, turn on the TV or radio, and prepare for a cosy night in with your dog. You could even stream our new Soft Sounds playlist to help them unwind.

“If your dog has previously shown signs of distress, get in touch with your vet to discuss whether medication might help them cope during this stressful time.”

Dogs Trust is also calling on the Government to review the current laws around the sale and use of fireworks.

The charity is advocating for simple, sensible changes, such as limiting fireworks to licensed public events during specific times of year to reduce unnecessary suffering and allow dog owners to prepare.

Dogs Trust fireworks guide for owners

Plan a cosy night in with your dog - Dogs Trust recommends staying at home with your dog during fireworks, as many dogs may panic if left alone. Having their owner or a familiar person nearby can offer much-needed reassurance.

Close curtains, switch on the lights and play the TV or some music to help block out the sounds of fireworks and create a calm environment.

Stream ‘Soft Sounds for Dogs’ – Dogs Trust has launched a specially curated playlist, Soft Sounds for Dogs, designed to mask the sound of fireworks and encourage relaxation.

Based on the latest research, the playlist uses low-tempo, gentle music to help soothe your dog. It’s available to stream now via Spotify, YouTube and the Dogs Trust website.

Avoid going out after dark - make sure your dog has been walked and fed earlier in the day, before any fireworks begin. Being indoors and settled before it gets dark will help them feel safer and more secure.

Create a safe space - some dogs may benefit from having a quiet, enclosed area to retreat to if they feel scared. Even dogs who haven’t previously shown signs of distress can become unsettled, so it’s best to prepare in advance.

Encourage your dog to use the space by creating positive associations with it, and never force them outside while fireworks are happening.

Keep an eye on how your dog is coping - while some dogs may seek comfort and attention, others prefer to be left alone with their favourite toy or activity.

Offer reassurance if they approach you, but also be prepared to gently distract them with something they enjoy. Spend time before fireworks season experimenting to find what works best for your individual dog.

Speak to your vet if needed - if your dog has previously shown signs of fear during fireworks, contact your vet as soon as possible. In some cases, medication can be very effective in helping dogs cope during firework events and can prevent the problem from getting worse over time.

Make sure your home is secure - dogs can bolt if frightened, so it’s essential to check that all windows, doors, and fences are secure before the fireworks start.

Stay calm yourself - seeing your dog in distress can be upsetting, but it’s important to stay calm and relaxed. Dogs often pick up on their owner’s emotions, so your calm presence can help them feel more at ease.

Further guidance and support can be found on the Dogs Trust website.