Blowing Out Candles – Reducing the Potency of Fireworks

Before we look at alternative strategies to help your dog refocus their attention on bonfire night, we need to look at management. This involves identifying and blowing out as many of the dog’s candles as possible. This includes dealing with-

physical,
emotional,
sensory,
social, and
environmental stressors.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead so that the management techniques you intend to use are already familiar and meaningful to your dog. Don’t make big changes on the day as this alone can increase their stress. Stay with your dog as much as possible, and don’t leave them to cope alone during times when fireworks are at their peak. Your presence with them can be reassuring.

Management of physical stressors

Ensure that your dog has had a recent check-up at the vet and is being treated for any signs of illness or pain.
Make sure they are well rested, have been walked earlier in the day, and have eaten a good meal before dusk each day leading up to bonfire night.
If fireworks are happening throughout the day use walk alternatives to provide physical and mental stimulation within the home.
Consider medication if your dog has a history of extreme noise-related anxiety. Discuss this well in advance with your vet.
Make sure the home environment is at a comfortable temperature for your specific dog.

Management of emotional stressors

Reduce the number of events happening that increase your dog’s arousal level. This might include reducing visitors to the home, and not ordering online or having food deliveries to the home for a few days.
Use natural remedies to reduce anxiety. These might include pheromone diffusers, CBD oil, Tryptophan (may increase serotonin), Melatonin (may promote rest and sleep, and reduce anxiety), chamomile or lavender. A dog’s preferences for calming scents can be tested in advance using zoopharmacognosy.
Offer calming activities that involve licking, chewing, or scenting as these behaviours are known to release calming chemicals in the dog’s brain. You could include licki mats, snuffle mats and toys, food searches and ACE Free Work.
Try to stay calm and positive around your dog, as they can sense your emotions and react accordingly. Avoid shouting, scolding, or punishing your dog, as this can increase their stress and anxiety. Instead, use positive reinforcement, praise, and rewards to help your dog.

Management of sensory stressors

Soundproof a safe space in the home where your dog can hide. This could include covering their crate or other area with a duvet.
Work with a sound recording of fireworks to desensitise your dog. Start by playing the recording very quietly in the background and then gradually increase the volume over time. Start well in advance of bonfire night as the process can take several weeks.
Close the curtains and blinds in the home to prevent visual flashes from stressing your dog.
Play some calming classical music at a moderate volume to help block out the firework noise. Start to play this in advance of the fireworks starting.
Keep the windows and outer doors closed to keep the smell of fire and explosives away. Using a pheromone diffuser in the home will help to mask smell and create calm for your dog.

Management of social stressors

Manage other dogs in the home so that all individuals feel safe and secure.
Keep children in the home as calm as possible. Younger children can be distracted by a family film night with popcorn and treats. Maybe arrange for older children to go out to a bonfire with another adult while you remain with your dog.
Try to avoid any shouting or arguments between the humans who are at home, as these can also stress your dog.

Management of environmental stressors

Try to clear your dog’s environment of things that you know cause them anxiety or over-arousal. These will vary from dog to dog but could include other pets, noisy children’s toys, items they associate with grooming, balls, tugs, the hoover and so on. Aim not to use these items on days when you are expecting there to be fireworks in the evening.
Keep the dog away from any hyper-arousing area of the home. This might be a window that they bark at the street through or a room you keep small pets in.
Avoid using bright lights, strong smells, or creating loud and sudden noises within the home.

Bonfire night is an assault on our dog’s senses and creates distress and fear for many dogs. Planning carefully and using the suggestions above should help to both protect your dog and provide them with alternative activities to focus on. In the next blog post, we will discuss using food searches and ACE Free Work to help them.