Fireworks season is soon approaching, so there is plenty of time to get ready, so let’s get started on our plan for a quiet, calm and serene fireworks season for your dog on bonfire night!
If your dog has anxiety and gets scared when fireworks sound on bonfire night, these 8 tips on how to calm down your dog are for you.
1. Start the calming process with calming tablets for dogs
At Dorwest Herbs we recommend using herbal remedies for dogs to help relax them in situations that may cause them to become anxious. Our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets for Dogs should be given on a daily basis, which allows plenty of time to calm them and keep them stress-free. These natural calming tablets for dogs are great for anxiety as they virtually have no side effects and are made using four active herbs; valerian root, scullcap, mistletoe and gentian. The tablets are a perfect, non-sedative solution for relaxing pets on bonfire night.
Another great product for dog anxiety is our Valerian Compound. This natural remedy can be given easily to dogs in a liquid form in their food, dropped into the mouth or sprinkled onto your pets bedding during the fireworks season. It is fast acting, starts to take effect in around 30 minutes and lasts for around two hours- perfect as a top up with Scullcap & Valerian Tablets.
2. Safe place
Your pet needs to retreat to a place they can feel content and safe when it all gets loud and scary. A soundproofed crate with the door open is ideal, or simply a room where they are protected from noise and vibration. Pet them and play with them in there, too, so that it becomes a lovely place for them to rest and relax. They will choose to enter more often if you get it right, and will hide there when things get a bit much in future.
3. Keep the noise out
Another idea for how to keep your dog calm is to create a quiet place ready for them on bonfire night to dull the sounds that will upset them. Use heavy curtains at windows and lay blankets along the bottom of doorways. If using a crate, you can place it on top of blankets to insulate from sound, as well as draping one over the top.
4. Create a 5 star den!
One safe-bet for calming your pet is treats! Make a den, and add goodies, chew toys and a water dish inside. Let your pet investigate gradually; never force them in, let them make it their perfect place where they want to spend time. Make sure you go there with them and pat and pay them attention when they are in there, so they don’t feel they are missing out.
5. Get them used to the noise (gently!)
Play the sounds of fireworks (available on CD or download online) quietly whilst your pet plays or eats dinner, to accustom them to the strange noises. Gradually increase the volume – over a few days or weeks – whilst your pet stays relaxed. This is important if you live in a quiet household or area. We recommend this technique to be started well in advance of any fireworks as if it is too close to bonfire night it might heighten the phobia.
6. Ask a professional
If you are really worried, talk to your vet for help and advice; they know best how to calm a dog who is dealing with anxiety.
We advise this is in severe cases of noise phobia as they can refer you to an Animal Behaviourist.
7. Identity!
Check and update microchip details if necessary and ensure they have an ID tag on their collar to allow a safe return, in case the worse happens and your dog gets spooked and runs away.
8. Techniques for on the night
There are some great distraction games you can play with your dog. Have a read of our other blog which features some last minute tips from Karen Wild, a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist!
If you want to discuss using Dorwest Herbs’ natural calming remedies for dogs with one of our experienced advisors, please get in touch on 01308 897272 or use our contact form. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50.
Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
