We want your four legged friends to have the least fear, stress and anxiety (FAS) as possible over the Fireworks season.

Dogs in particular are affected by not only the noise of the fireworks but also the sights and smells of the fireworks. There are many things that you can do to help your dog during these times. However, it is a great idea to start doing these things several days before the fireworks season starts, to get your dog used to the changes.

Most of us have heard about preparing a ‘den’ like area for our dogs. This is a great idea but only if your dog actually likes this type of environment and goes in very willingly. Making use of a crate, covering it apart from the door side with a nice thick material or even an old duvet, will help insulate the crate area from the noises from the fireworks. Place lots of your dogs favourite things in there with them including plenty of soft comfy bedding, toys etc.

Place a plug-in of either Adaptil (for dogs) or Pet remedy close to where your dog is going to settle and consider spraying inside the den area with either product as well. Make sure to leave at least 15 mins after spraying before your dog goes into the den area. If your dog does not enjoy being in a crate, see where they do settle or try to hide and make the area as comfortable as possible for them. Do not try (unless its unsafe for them) to coax them out from hiding, rather support them where they choose to feel safest.

Below is a list of tried and tested ideas to help with your pets’ firework fear anxiety and stress (FAS). You can try any combination of them:

Thrums Vets: Dog behaviourist advice on firework season

Bring them for a good walk/play session before it gets dark.

It stops the flashes from the fireworks being as noticeable for your dog and helps to muffle sounds.

Play them at a reasonable volume to help calm your dog but also to help drown out the sounds of the fireworks – you’ll find lots available on you tube and other places like Alexa. (Search on line for calming music for dogs or psychoacoustic music for dogs. CDs are also still available to buy of this type of music as well!)

This is a great addition to help calm your dog’s anxieties. It is a prebiotic and postbiotics supplement for calming and gut health support for dogs and cats. Starting this a few days before fireworks, each day in food, will be helpful. There are also other calming supplements – ask at your vets.

Stroke/massage them in a slow and calm way, if they usually enjoy physical contact, can also help to reassure and calm them. But it must be done slowly, gently and with either a calm slow voice or in silence. Also see Tellington T Touch website for different ideas for massage.

If your dog likes wearing a harness or jacket they will likely accept wearing a Thunder shirt. This is a soft shirt which, when placed correctly on a dog, puts gentle pressure on particular points on your dog’s body, helping to alleviate fear anxiety and stress (FAS).

This might sound a bit ‘barking’ but seriously, they really do work!! But only if your dog is happy to have something on/around it’s head. These ear muffs help to dramatically reduce the amount of noise that the dog can hear from the fireworks.

Keeping calm is a huge part of the firework experience for your dog. If you want your dog to be worried about the fireworks, act worried yourself. But if you can remain nice and calm, this will help improve how your dog feels emotionally too.

Please remember to make sure that your pets microchip details are fully up to date. It’s so sad, if a pet bolts away from the home or garden through fear at the fireworks and when eventually found, sometimes miles away, the pet’s microchip details are out of date. This then causes further distress to the pet as they are not reunited with their owner as quickly as they could be! (and sometimes NEVER!)

If your pet is up for it, play fun games with them perhaps including favourite treats or give them a really yummy chew. These things can help to distract them from worrying about fireworks!

In severe cases, there are medications which can be prescribed by your vet, for your pet. As these are prescription medications your vet would need to give your dog a thorough check over before agreeing to dispense this type of medication.

Small pets silhouette

Dogs are not the only pets affected by fireworks

Cats and small furries like guinea pigs and rabbits can also be adversely affected by fireworks too. So we should take all precautions we can for them as well. Including:

  • Keeping cats in after dark and bringing rabbits/guinea pigs in doors

  • Perhaps think about covering small furries hutches/cages and use Pet Remedy with them as well

  • Again making sure your cat’s microchip details are up to date in case they bolt

  • Let your cat hide inside the home if they want to, making sure they have somewhere up high as this is often what they will seek out.

  • Use Pet Remedy and/or Feliway to help calm cats

  • Shutting the curtains

  • Play calming cat music

  • Again, in more severe cases, speak with your vet regarding prescription medication for cats. Remember that the vet will need to examine your cat before dispensing any of these medications

Mary - Our Certified Behaviourist

Meet Mary – our certified behaviourist

Our dog behaviour service is led by Mary Howat, who many of you may recognise from our Blairgowrie team!

Mary started working with Thrums in 2003, and has progressed to qualify as a Certified Canine Behaviourist and Certified Elite Fear Free Trainer. She also runs her own dog behaviour and training consultancy, K9INTUITION, taking veterinary referrals, behaviour consultations, one to one sessions with puppies and their owners and also providing advice for clients on choosing a puppy and before they have brought their puppy home.

She shares her life and home with her husband, their cat Harray and their new friend – Moose the chocolate Labrador.

Call our Kirriemuir team today to book an appointment on 01575 572 643.