Halloween is over and now Bonfire Night is looming, which can be a stressful time for many dogs and other animals (as well as humans). I'd like to share ten top tips to start to plan now to help your pets with the impending noise from fireworks or storms and wind.
WALKS AND TOILETTING
Plan your walk time so that it is a quieter time and unlikely to be fireworks let off. Remember your cats too and bring them inside in an evening. There is the chance that fireworks may be let off at different times, so it may be worth playing it safe and keeping your dog on lead If you are walking in the evening try to make sure it is early, before the fireworks start.
Make sure they have toileted in the garden and do go out with them, then bring them straight in. If you have any worries take them outside on a lead. If they go out and can’t relieve themselves, they may still be too anxious, so don’t get cross, try again later.
GAMES
You may think your dog may not wish to play games, but nosework games, such as finding food hidden in the house or snuffle mats, can be done inside the house increase natural levels of serotonin which promotes calmness and make them less likely to react to the fireworks.
If they will play some scent games and hide and seek the treats. However do remember that a stressed dog will not eat. Watch they do not get too excited by the game as this has the same physiological effects on the body as stress.
SAFE PLACES
If your dog has an area he wants to go to, that he feels safe in then do let him. Many dogs like to have a den where they can go when they are scared. If your dog already has a crate that he feels safe in, covering it with blankets can help them feel more secure, and making the inside darker and muffling the sounds. Nice soft bedding to snuggle into and be comfortable will be helpful too.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Close all doors windows and curtains early enough (start this now, so your dog does not notice all your change of routines happening on one evening. This will help deaden the sounds and if your dog reacts to the sight of them it means they can’t see them so may settle better.
TV OR MUSIC?
Putting the tv on can help some dogs. Alternatively play some calming music. Studies have found that classical music can calm a dog, as long as it is not rousing, Bach can be a good choice. There are psychoacoustically designed music that has been written or chosen for dogs. An example would be the a CD such as ‘Through a dog’s ear.’ There are many other options on Spotify and You Tube as well. Look for music that has been chosen specifically to be calming to a dog.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Check your dog's tags and microchip details are up to date, just in case the worst should happen and they do escape or run away in panic. Before you let them out in the garden, check that the gates are all firmly closed and that the fence has not been damaged in any high winds or storms if the weather has been bad.
SUPPLEMENTS
Calming supplements and pheromones can help some dogs with anxiety, however you may need to check how long they take to take effect. Some of them need to be started a few days up to weeks in advance. If you feel you need more help, talk to your vet who can give you further advice. For many dogs, homeopathy can be very helpful. It is much better to speak with a qualified vet who can guide you to the best choice for your dog.
TELLINGTON TTOUCH TRAINING METHOD
From a Tellington TTouch perspective, we often find that the dogs that are sensitive to noises are often sensitive to contact around the hindquarters, feet and ears. The base of the tail may be tight and often there is tension in the lower back. An increase in adrenalin levels will often make the sense of hearing more acute. An excited or fearful or stressed dog may therefore be more reactive to any noise. Some will go and hide while others may become loud, barking in response to the noises. Dogs will react differently when they are scared, but the underlying feelings are the same.
Learning some TTouch techniques can help your dog be calmer around bonfire night. Please take a look at my 'how to' video for the ear TTouch. Remember you need to gauge how comfortable your dog is with contact when they are frightened, if you are in any doubt of how they will react don’t do it. But doing the TTouches prior to scary events (now) will help calm your dog or cat in preparation for fireworks.
TTOUCH BODY WRAPS
The body wraps gives a sense of connection through their body and sensory feedback to the body about where they are holding tension and their body awareness and place in space, known as proprioception. We use many different ways of putting on a body wrap, but I typically start with a quarter wrap. Initially leave in on for just a few minutes and watch your dog’s responses to make sure they are not concerned by it, if they are we take it off. We find body wraps are very helpful for dogs who are sound sensitive. You can also purchase Thundershirts that have a similar effect, however, it is about finding what works best for your dog. Each one of theses wonderful beings are individuals and have different needs, so what helps one dog may not benefit another.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?
If you would like further help, please don't hesitate to give me a call on 07809 437967, send me a message via the contact me here, or send me a FB message me to arrange a Zoom consultation to help you through this worrying time. Remember to start to implement the changes now, to help your November evening be less stressful.