With nearly 50% of dog owners reporting that their dog suffers with noise phobias, it is more important then ever to prepare your dog for firework season.

All pets are different when it comes to certain fears and the severity of these fears, and it can be especially hard to know how to manage it and create a relaxing environment. There are however certain things you can do ahead of time within your home to make your dog that extra bit prepared.

With anything, preparing your dogs in advance is best – getting your dogs used to loud sounds can be better in the long term by slowly introducing them to noises with positive reinforcement.

Below you will find some easy things to do at home to ease your dogs’ noise phobia, and these can be supported by our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and our Valerian Compound to give your dog that extra bit of calm:

1. A doggy haven

Create a unique space where your dog can feel safe & secure, have plenty of blankets and a quiet area of the house. Once they have settled in their safe space, leave them to feel relaxed & content, so they know where to go.

2. Occasional toys

Buy your dog a new toy and get them excited by only giving it to them occasionally (so they do not get bored of it!)

3. Relaxing noises

Experiment with different sounds/music which can relax your dog. These could be white noise, ASMR for dogs or certain radio stations that play relaxing music during bonfire night, like Classic FM.

4. Close the curtains

Along with loud noises, the bright flashing of fireworks could add additional stress to your dog during fireworks – so make sure to keep these closed.

5. Avoid walking them in the evening

If you know that there is going to be a firework display one evening, make sure to walk them earlier in the day to avoid any surprise bangs.

6. Give them plenty of love

Make sure your dog knows they can come to you to be comforted. Plenty of cuddles and attention can help to ease your dog’s worries.
Stay calm: Dogs can sense your emotions, so although it can be a worry to have a dog with noise phobias – try and stay as calm as possible, as your dog will pick up on this.

7. Use calming supplements

Whether it’s 1 month or 1 day before bonfire night, there is always something that can be done to help your pet with their fireworks fear! Our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound naturally relax your pet without causing drowsiness. This is great for helping to keep your dog calmer around the fireworks season. Best results are seen when used alongside gentle and consistent behavioural training.

We hope with these simple steps, you and your dog can have a relaxing firework season!