Updated: September 2024 As the ethereal glow of Halloween approaches, many of us are planning to revel in our cherished spooky festivities. Beyond the classic trick-or-treating, Halloween opens up a splendid window for fireworks and exuberant celebrations, which, albeit joyful, can pose potential challenges for pet parents and their pets. Fireworks, while stunning for us, can send waves of anxiety through dogs, elevating their stress levels and manifesting anxiety symptoms, such as persistent trembling, howling, and barking. So, if you’re concerned about how to calm your dog during fireworks this Halloween, we’ve assembled some helpful advice to ensure the spooky season remains both safe and happy for your beloved pooch!
Understanding a dog’s fear of fireworks
For dogs, the vivid explosions of light and the daunting bangs from fireworks are perplexing and threatening. Their inability to comprehend that these startling bursts of noise and light are harmless often propels them into a state of fear. The unexpected and loud sounds can provoke a fight-or-flight response, urging dogs to seek refuge or hide, particularly those who have had prior unsettling experiences with boisterous noises. Recognising this fear and empathising with their discomfort is the first step toward providing effective comfort and solutions during such noisy celebrations.
If your dog feels anxious during fireworks season, this is one for the cupboard!
How to calm your dog during fireworks
Thankfully, several straightforward and practical steps can be used to alleviate your dog’s fears amid the Halloween reveries:
Establish a safe haven
Creating a soft, comforting sanctuary in a serene area of your home offers your dog a secure place to retreat when the fireworks commence. Ensuring that windows and doors are firmly closed prevents the risk of your pet fleeing in fright. This tranquil spot, outfitted with their beloved toys and perhaps an item bearing your scent, will ideally provide a semblance of normalcy and safety amidst the chaos outside. Adequate preparation of this safe zone before the event can also offer your dog familiarity when the noise starts, further minimising anxiety.
Provide familiarity and routine
Maintaining a semblance of normalcy through consistent routines and familiarity can be a pillar of comfort for dogs amidst the unpredictability of fireworks. Engaging in regular activities like their customary walks, meals, and toilet breaks can extend a comforting consistency, offering a reliable framework in an otherwise chaotic ambience. Striking a balance between accommodating their fear and maintaining routine stability will nurture a supportive environment during these tumultuous times.
Ensure companionship through the chaos
Despite the allure of outdoor celebrations, your dog will likely find solace in your presence during this stressful time. Being available for reassuring pets and comforting words can significantly dampen their anxiety. Your calm demeanour is also paramount; maintaining a composed and reassuring presence, since dogs can indeed perceive human stress, helps uphold a calming environment and communicates safety to your pet amid the cacophony outside.
Divert their attention
While dogs can become fixated on alarming sounds, strategically diverting their attention with new toys or enticing treats can offer a valuable distraction. Engaging in play or offering a special, perhaps novel, snack could refocus their attention away from the daunting noises and towards a more pleasant experience. Initiating these distractions before the onset of fireworks can also preemptively engage their focus, potentially reducing the initial impact of the startling sounds.
Use comforting toys and accessories
Employing comforting toys and specialised accessories like anxiety wraps can offer an additional layer of emotional support for your dog. Anxiety wraps exert gentle pressure on your dog’s body, which can elicit a calming response akin to being held. However, any new items or approaches must be introduced in a calm environment first to ensure they are associated with comfort and not added stress.
Mask the noise as best you can
Utilising white noise or calming music can serve to muffle the intrusive sounds of fireworks, offering auditory relief for your pet. For those willing to go above and beyond, additional soundproofing measures such as employing draft guards, draping thick fabrics, and utilising rugs on hard floors can further insulate your space from the abrasive external noises, crafting a serene refuge amidst the explosive celebrations.
Identify and respond to stress signals
Being attuned to signs of stress, which can include behaviours like shaking, barking, whining, or changes in demeanour, allows you to respond with calm and compassionate reassurance. Maintaining a gentle, steady demeanour, even in the face of their distress, will help to avoid escalating the situation and continue to communicate that they are in a safe space, which is especially crucial amidst the chaos of firework displays.
Make sure your dog is fed and exercised before the fireworks begin
Ensuring your dog has been well-fed and adequately exercised before the onset of fireworks can also predispose them to a calmer state. A satisfying meal and a tiring play session or walk can foster a more relaxed demeanour, potentially mitigating the stress and impact of the unsettling noises to come.
Keep your dog relaxed this Halloween with Serene Calming products
Along with our tips and advice, if you find yourself in need of an additional ally to ensure a peaceful Halloween for your dog, consider trying our Serene Calming range.
VETIQ® Serene Calming Ointment is designed for loud events such as fireworks and thunderstorms and provides fast relief within 20 minutes. It’s safe & effective, easy to use, with no limit on usage and is suitable for all dogs, breeds, and ages. It can also be used with other products in the pet calming range.
The Serene Calming Range includes tablets, drops, treats and more and can be a valuable tool to modulate your dog’s emotional responses during firework displays and other anxiety-inducing scenarios, fostering a peaceful ambience for your household.
So from all of us here at VETIQ, have a safe and happy Halloween and bonfire night with your furry friends, and be sure to browse our blog for more pet-related advice and information!
