It’s that time of year again when we can anticipate, and prepare for fireworks during the winter months, likely to begin at Halloween, for Diwali, traditionally Bonfire night right through to the New Year celebrations!
It may also be the first time some of you will be experiencing how this affects a new pug in your home.
In advance, you may consider:
- Desensitising your pets to noise: Playing fireworks noises quietly using sound CDs, while rewarding calm behaviour, can help them become accustomed to the noise. Play them in the run up to firework season, to help them see they need not be afraid.
- Anxiety relief products: Anxiety relieving products containing pheromones are an effective way to help your pet stay calm, also comforting jackets are like a big hug! There are so many products around so do research them.
When those celebratory nights are expected:
- Walk them before it’s dark.
- Watch out for spent fireworks when walking your dogs. Halloween and Diwali celebrations start before bonfire night.
- Feed your dogs before fireworks are expected to begin, as they may be too stressed to eat.
- Make sure your house or garden is escape-proof, as they can bolt or go missing. (Check their microchip registration is up-to-date!)
- Keep windows and curtains closed, the lights on and turn the TV on to play music to help drown out the noise.
- Create a safe, cosy place for your dog to settle before it gets dark. Dogs enjoy cosy dens.
- Keep them entertained to take their mind off the noise.
- Comfort and reassure them.
Classic FM’s Pet Classics | Classic FM is back this year, to help calm pets and their owners during the bright lights and loud bangs outside during fireworks season.
Special sessions on Classic FM, will be playing soothing classical music for all pets and animals who might feel anxious, stressed or scared, providing an audio sanctuary for the nation’s animals .
Charlotte Hawkins will host the first programme on Saturday 2 November and Dan Walker on Tuesday 5 November, in his first appearance on the programme designed to help relax your furry friends on Bonfire Night.
Both shows will be broadcast between 5pm to 9pm to coincide with the busiest evenings for firework displays. Record them, to use for those other similar nights.
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
