Dog trainer’s fool-proof plan to keep pets calm amid Bonfire Night fireworks

Dog Trainer’s Expert Advice for a Peaceful Bonfire Night for Pets

As Bonfire Night approaches, pet owners are gearing up for a challenging evening as fireworks light up the sky. While many people enjoy the spectacle, the loud bangs and flashing lights can cause distress to our furry companions. Social media has been flooded with posts from anguished pet owners expressing their concerns over their pets’ anxiety during the festivities. To address these worries, Green Pantry has collaborated with a professional dog trainer to provide strategies for keeping pets calm during the noisy celebrations.

Simon Booth, the Managing Director at Green Pantry, highlights the importance of managing your dog’s anxiety through their diet. He suggests opting for meals designed to reduce stress and anxiety, containing ingredients like Valerian and Hemp known for their calming properties. These ingredients not only help during fireworks but can also benefit overactive or anxious dogs in general.

Phil Legood, the professional dog trainer, advises pet owners to prepare their homes to prevent pets from panicking and potentially escaping. Phil recommends staying with pets to provide comfort and security, ensuring doors, windows, and fences are secure to prevent them from running away if spooked. He also suggests closing curtains to block out flashing lights and playing calming music or having background noise to mask the sound of fireworks.

Observing your pet’s behaviour is crucial, according to Phil, as different pets may react differently to fireworks. He advises letting pets hide if they feel safer that way or providing comfort if they seek reassurance. Phil also suggests using scent-based distractions like hiding treats around the house to keep pets occupied during fireworks.

For cat owners, Simon recommends keeping cats indoors on Bonfire Night and ensuring they have safe hiding spots if they are afraid of fireworks. He also suggests microchipping cats to prevent them from getting lost if they manage to escape. Phil emphasises the importance of desensitisation training for pets by familiarising them with firework sounds gradually to build their resilience.

In addition to the expert advice, TikTok’s Ben the Vet suggests playing calming music or sounds with bass to muffle out firework noise. By implementing these tips and tricks, pet owners can help their beloved animals have a more peaceful and stress-free Bonfire Night.

Insights and Summary:
Bonfire Night can be a challenging time for pet owners, as fireworks can cause anxiety and distress to their furry friends. The collaboration between Green Pantry and a professional dog trainer offers valuable strategies to help keep pets calm and secure during the noisy celebrations. By focusing on diet, home preparation, observation of behaviour, and desensitisation training, pet owners can ensure a more serene evening for their pets. It is essential to be proactive and attentive to our pets’ needs to help them feel safe and secure during stressful events like Bonfire Night.