21/10/2026
As the nights draw in and we head towards the weekend when the clocks go back, making the days even shorter, we also need to be mindful and start thinking of firework season.
A time of year a lot of pet owners, myself included, dread.
Fireworks can cause so much stress and trauma for so many animals, and unfortunately, due to very limited regulations, the size, sound and unrestricted days means it creates a bit of a free for all scenario, meaning you can't even really plan ahead.
Personally I believe more licensing laws should be brought in because if you have a pet that is petrified it only takes one rogue firework to trigger a list of stressed and anxious behaviours: panting, shaking, pacing, unable to settle. In extreme cases some dogs refuse to eat, develop a phobia of going out after dark, some even start develop a reluctance to go for walks at all.
Sadly some people fail to understand the impact fireworks have, but when you have witnessed the upset caused first hand the distress is all too real.
Here are some tips to help your four legged friends cope better....
1. Walk them nice and early, before dark.
2. Feed them early and get them settled.
3. Create a den where they can hide and feel safe, either behind the sofa, under a table or by covering an indoor crate.
4. Use a snood and place from the front of the forehead and over the ears, this can create a calming effect.
5. Use stress/trauma jackets, these again can cause a calming effect by relaxing certain pressure points.
6. Use calming tablets, however these need to be introduced a few weeks before you anticipate fireworks being let off.
7. Turn the volume up on the TV and/or play relaxing music in other rooms to help drown out the sound
8. Keep rooms well lit and curtains drawn to minimise the flashes.
9. Ensure all your garden gates are secured.
10. Always keep your dog on a lead if you have to go outside.
11. In extreme cases, if the stress gives you concern regarding your dog’s wellbeing and ability to cope for a prolonged period, speak to your vet and discuss prescribed sedative options
12. Try to behave normally and remain calm, if your pet sees you upset it gives them reason to think they too should be afraid.
13. Never leave a fearful, stressed and anxious pet alone, they can become destructive and may hurt themselves trying to find you.
If you are worried about your hound please get in touch if you want any support or advice.
And please keep our doggos safe this bonfire season.
