As the autumn leaves fall and the evenings grow darker, firework season is upon us. Love them or loathe them, they have become a key part of seasonal celebrations for Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year’s Eve, and while these displays can be a source of awe and wonder for us humans they can often be a source of high anxiety and stress for our furry companions.

**At Hope's Therapy Dogs, we understand the importance of keeping pets calm and secure so here are some 'pawsome' tips to ensure a safe and serene firework season for your dogs and other pets.**

Create a Safe Haven for your furry friend

It can be quite scary for pets when they feel threatened, so it's essential to create a safe haven for them. Consider creating a cosy corner with their favourite bed, blankets, and toys as their special retreat. Alternatively, they may find their own hideout in another part of your home, which is ok. For smaller pets such as hamsters or guinea pigs, ensure their cages have an extra layer of bedding for them to burrow into and cover their cages/hutches with a thick, breathable cloth to reduce noise. Remember, providing a safe space can significantly reduce your pet's anxiety and make them feel more secure.

Keep Pets Indoors

If you're used to taking an evening or nighttime stroll, it's understandable that you might be worried about the fireworks. One solution might be to start adjusting your schedule and heading out earlier in the day. Loud noises, unusual smells and flashing lights can be really scary for animals, even if they're used to being outdoors in the dark. If you have to take your pooch pal out after dark, make sure they're safely and securely restrained with a harness and lead. Be sure to check that all doors, windows, and pet flaps are securely closed around your house so they can't escape if they do start to panic.

Provide Distractions and share Quality Time

It's always important to keep our furry friends engaged and happy. One way to achieve this is by using interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or their preferred treats. A tasty snack can work wonders in reducing their stress levels, as well as rewarding them for their good behaviour and bravery (you can give yourself a little treat too!). Spending quality time with our pets is also a great idea, as it helps them focus on positive and enjoyable activities, instead of being bothered by external noises. If possible, it's ideal to have someone at home all evening to keep an eye on them and provide them with a sense of security and of course, give them lots of cuddles.

Use Sound and Light Masking

Firework bangs can be 'ruff' on our pets, and it's important to help them feel safe. One way you can do this is by playing calming music or leaving the television on to create a familiar background noise - so it's a good excuse to make a start on your next Netflix binge-watch! Drawing the curtains or blinds can also help minimize the visual impact of the fireworks. If you're looking for calming music specifically for pets, keep an eye out for the link provided by Classic FM in November - Lola's favourite composer is Beethoven after she watched the 90s film with the big dog.

Consider Thundershirts or Wraps for Comfort

Thundershirts and anxiety wraps apply gentle, constant pressure to your pet's body, which can have a calming effect during stressful situations like fireworks displays.

Desensitize your pet

If your pet is already anxious about fireworks, you can start desensitizing them to the sounds and sights of fireworks well in advance of the season. This can be done by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume and gradually increasing the volume over time.

Consult Your Veterinarian for Expert Advice

If you know from experience that your four-legged friend experiences severe anxiety or distress during firework season, it's important to seek advice from your trusted veterinarian. They can suggest natural supplements, pheromone diffusers, or in more extreme cases, prescribe medication to help soothe your pet's nerves. It's always best to plan ahead and reach out to your vet now. Remember, your pet's well-being is our top priority and your vet will be able to offer the best guidance and advice for your pet.

Microchip and ID Tags

As pet owners, we know how much they mean to us. That's why taking all the necessary precautions to keep them safe is crucial. One of the most important steps is making sure they have proper identification, like a collar with an updated ID tag and a microchip with current contact information. This way, we can have peace of mind knowing that if our pets ever get scared and run off, they'll have an extra layer of protection and a greater chance of being reunited with us.

It is our duty to provide comfort and support to our furry friends during firework season. Our pets trust us to keep them safe and secure, so it is important that we help them cope with any stress or anxiety they may be feeling. It is important to be patient and understanding with your pets, and give them plenty of love and attention.

At Hope's Therapy Dogs, we are committed to the well-being of all animals, and we hope that these suggestions will help you and your furry family members enjoy a peaceful firework season and keep those tails wagging.

If you have any other great tips, please share them with us on our social media pages.