We're a little bit away from the fireworks season but forsome dog owners it can suddenly seem to come upon you, frantically trying to make plans for a holiday or an Airbnb break somewhere as far away from
civilisation if you have the means, or creating a comfy fortress in a linen closet in an attempt to muffle out as much noise as possible.
If you're reading this and nodding along, you're definitelynot alone. That sinking feeling when you realize November 5th is creeping up again, followed by New Year's Eve, and then the random weekend displays that seem to pop up out of nowhere. It'senough to make any dog parent's heart sink.
I'll be sharing my usual series of hints and tips in the runup to firework season, but if you are a human with a dog that finds fireworks more than a bit stressful, now might be the time to think about what you can do
to minimise the fear for them.
Here are my top tips:
1. Do Your Detective Work
See if you can find out any information on organiseddisplays in your area. This can help with planning a trip out of town. Check local council websites, community Facebook groups, and even ask at local pet
shops as they often know when the big displays are happening. Knowledge is power when it comes to planning your escape routes or preparation strategies.
2. Have That Vet Conversation Early
Speak with your vet. It might be appropriate for them toprescribe medication. Don't wait until the last minute to have a conversation with them about it. Some medications work better when started well before the stressful event, and others might need a trial run to see how your dog responds. Your vet knows your dog's history and can recommend the best approach, whether that's short-term anxiety medication or longer-term solutions.
3. Call in the Professionals
Contact an accredited ABTC behaviourist who can work withyou and your vet to work on a behaviour plan. Ideally, you will begin work on a plan 3-6 months prior to the firework season starting. This might seem like a big step, but a qualified behaviourist can help you work on desensitisation techniques and create a comprehensive management strategy that goes far beyond hiding in the cupboard. It's also worth checking what your pet insurance covers. Many policies now include behaviouralassistance, which can make professional help much more affordable.
Remember, You're Not Powerless
I know it can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with adog who trembles at the first distant bang, but these three steps can make a real difference when you start early. The key is not waiting until October to
begin thinking about it.
In the run up to bonfire night, I'll be sharing my usualseries of tips covering all the practical things you can do closer to the time, from walking before dark and creating safe spaces to some more unusual techniques like Taiko drumming. But for now, these three foundational steps are your starting point.
And please, be kind to yourself too. You're doing your bestfor your canine companion, and that matters more than you know. Whether you end up in a cottage in the middle of nowhere or building the world's most elaborate pillow fort, your dog is lucky to have someone who cares enough to plan ahead.