Dog owners have been urged to act now to prepare their pets for Bonfire Night by desensitising them to the sound of fireworks. A survey of almost 950 dog owners for the Guide Dogs charity found 63% said their pets experienced firework anxiety, but 43% did nothing to prepare. Nine in 10 dog owners said they had experienced disruption to their plans in November due to fireworks affecting their pets.
National Fireworks Archive launched
To help the nation better prepare dogs for November 5, Guide Dogs has launched a National Fireworks Archive with crowd-sourced videos of fireworks. It contains real footage filmed by members of the public in streets, gardens and at fireworks displays across the country. The videos can be used by dog owners to gradually introduce their pets to the sounds of fireworks over the coming weeks.
Guide Dogs expert Haley Andrews said: “Fireworks night is just round the corner, but there’s still time to start desensitising beloved pets now. It’s straightforward, relatively easy to do and can help avoid the heartache, expense and disruption so many dog owners experience in the weeks running up to and even after Bonfire Night on November 5.”
Why fireworks frighten dogs
Fireworks are particularly frightening for dogs due to their acute hearing, lack of understanding and survival instincts. Signs that a dog is experiencing fear or anxiety include trembling or shaking, restlessness, destructiveness, hiding, and whining or barking.
When using a video to desensitise a dog, the charity recommended starting at a very low volume when the dog is relaxed and confident. You should then slowly increase the volume while pairing it with things the dog enjoys, such as play or affection. If the animal appears uncomfortable, stop increasing the volume.
Survey findings and next steps
Guide Dogs’ survey also found that 45% of dog owners had avoided leaving their pet alone and 12% had suffered sleepless nights during the fireworks season. The charity wants to expand its video archive with a greater variety of clips recorded from different distances and locations, capturing everything from Catherine wheels to the sudden bangs of rockets.
Guide Dogs’ top tips for getting your dog fireworks-ready include starting early, beginning at the lowest volume, building up gradually, introducing different sounds carefully, creating a safe space, making training realistic, planning for the night itself, and not waiting for a sign, as many dogs develop firework anxiety later in life.
