Forum Topic

Fireworks and help for dogs

I wish fireworks were banned but, failing that, here's an idea that may help:An dog owner has revealed how to create a DIY ear muff out of a single sock to help keep dogs calm on bonfire night. Caitlin Miller, 17, from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, had been looking for a more cost-effective way to calm her pets when fireworks were let off.Instead of purchasing stress bands or calming jackets from specialist stores, she decided to create a headband to muffle the sound - simply by cutting the ankle and toes off a pair of socks.  The comfortable contraption helps quieten the distressing noises and creates a slight compression that makes it feel like the dog is being cuddled, she claimed.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8893487/Student-creates-incredible-cost-free-hack-help-pet-dogs-calm-ahead-Bonfire-Night.html

Leslie Wilson ● 2192d9 Comments

Sounds a great idea, Leslie. All my socks have holes in them, so I won't really miss them and I'll hope for a fresh supply in my Xmas stocking.

Roger Talbot ● 2191d

Classic FM are going to play calming music on Guy Fawkes night to help our pets keep relaxed. I wonder if Susie likes classical music 🎶 Roger 🐶❤️ xx

Georgina Flint ● 2191d

What a great idea, Georgie.Susie loves classical music, and I shall play my bagpipes and alpenhorn to her to help soothe her and reduce her anxiety.If that doesn't work, I can always go out into the street and blast a din all over the neighbourhood, to get revenge on the noisy brutes.Dear lady, may your hens lay many eggs, and your camels never want for water. XX

Roger Talbot ● 2191d

Darling RogerI don’t have hens or camels. I have a cat. All she ‘lays’ is poo. 😂🤣 xx

Georgina Flint ● 2191d

What about having some fireworks with your dog. Get really excited, pet them a lot and laugh. Give them whatever treat they really like and they may come to tolerate them.

Vivienne Cox ● 2191d

Nope, they are not idiots who recognise danger (who else saw the moving morning TV programme of a woman who lost half her face to a firework in her back garden and is now blind in one eye?. Animals are strapped to fireworks by thugs and so injured they have to be put down in horrible pain. It causes cats and dogs incredible stress as it does wildlife.  It is a crime to let fireworks off near livestock but that hasn't stopped horses and other lifestock killing themselves in panic.  We either go for silent fireworks (and yes, they exist) or banning them being sold to the public. only to licensed displays.  A petition re this is before parliament.

Claire Moran ● 2191d

Yes, and the pollution,

Janice Evans ● 2190d

1 Start 4-8 weeks before fireworks are expected. Download the Sounds Scary files (or purchase CDs) and instructions from here:https://soundcloud.com/dogstrust/sets/sound-therapy-sounds-scary2 Purchase an Adaptil plug-in (https://www.adaptil.com/uk/Products/ADAPTIL-Calm-Home-Diffuser) and plug in at least 2 days before fireworks are expected3 Use a compression shirt if your dog will tolerate it4 Secure doors and windows. Close curtains and maintain a low level of background noise such as a radio or soothing music during the display. Otherwise behave normally.5 Create a refuge out of bedding, cushions or similar and include something that has a familiar smell, such as your dog’s blanket and/or a piece if your clothing. If your dog has attempted to hide somewhere, set up the safe space there if possible, but make sure that you can supervise discretely. 6 Make sure that water is freely available in the refuge and provide long-lasting chew treats such as a stuffed Kong. 7 Your dog may not be capable of eating if very distressed, so try to feed a stodgy meal with plenty of carbohydrates (rice, sweet potato or pasta are good) earlier in the day and provide plenty of stimulation and exercise. 8 Walk your dog well before fireworks are likely to be set off, in daylight if possible, and bear in mind that really fearful dogs may refuse to go out even if they need to eliminate. 9 Get help with supervising your dog so that he is not left alone and in danger of escaping or hurting himself if fireworks do go off.10 Get professional help from a qualified, accredited behaviourist if your dog is suffering severely.(11 Keep campaigning to ban private use of fireworks and limit public displays to "quiet" fireworks)

Charlotte Kasner ● 2189d

Thankyou very much, Charlotte.

Roger Talbot ● 2189d