Firework night is an exhilarating time for many, but for dog owners, it can bring a wave of anxiety. The loud bangs and dazzling lights can be overwhelming for our furry friends, triggering stress, restlessness, and fear.

With fireworks now often lighting up the sky throughout October and even into the final days of November, it’s essential to prepare in advance to help your dog feel safe and secure on a night that for many can be tough.

Here are some fun and practical tips to ensure you’re ready for the fireworks, with a special focus on one fantastic tool that can help, a wildbarc snood!

Create a Safe Space

One of the most effective ways to help your dog cope with fireworks is to create a cozy, quiet space where they can retreat. This might be their bed, a crate, or a peaceful room away from windows. Fill it with your dog’s favourite toys, blankets, and maybe even a few tasty treats. Having a space where they feel protected can help ease their anxiety. Consider closing the curtains/blinds to block out the flashes of light and play calming music or turn on the TV to mask the sounds of fireworks.

Classic FM has a free playlist of peaceful classical music for pets available on Global Player and look out for any special radio shows on the BBC that play calming music for dogs throughout the night. 

Desensitise Your Dog

Before the fireworks start, consider using sound desensitisation techniques. Play some audio of firework noises at a low volume and gradually increase it over time while rewarding your dog for staying calm. This can help them get used to the sounds and reduces their sensitivity. It's best to start this process weeks or even months ahead of time to give your dog plenty of opportunities to adjust, however you can start the process at any time.

Natural Calming Supplements

A calming supplement can help ease the stress of anxious dogs during the loud bangs of fireworks night. Blends of herbs and natural ingredients are a fantastic way to support your furry friends, with some wonderful products available for your dogs, cats, and other animals who might feel a bit overwhelmed during this explosive time of year.

We recently run a competition with our friends at Rooted, and they currently have 15% Off on their handmade Calming Potion. We've been trying it out with our lovely collie, Lola. The delightful combination of herbs is designed to lower stress and blood pressure, regulate the nervous system, relax the mind, and encourage better sleep.

Use code FIREWORKS at checkout to take advantage of the current promotion. 

Exercise Early in the Day

On the day of fireworks, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise early in the day. A tired dog is less likely to become overly anxious in the evening. Take them for a long walk before the fireworks start, to burn off energy and encourage relaxation. By the time the fireworks begin, they’ll be more inclined to rest rather than panic.

Use a Snood to Reduce Anxiety

A natural ways to help reduce firework-related anxiety in dogs is by using a snood. A snood is a soft, stretchy covering that wraps around your dog’s head and ears, muffling the loud noises of fireworks. It can help reduce the intensity of the sounds and create a feeling of security, similar to the calming effect of a compression wrap.

Jersey snoods are perfect because they are soft, lightweight, and comfortable for your dog to wear for extended periods. Not only do snoods muffle the sounds, but they also provide a gentle, calming pressure around the head, which can have a soothing effect. If your dog tends to become frantic when they hear fireworks, a snood could be a game-changer in helping them stay calm.

Of course, this may not be the solution for your pooch but as dog owners we know that trying things is the best way to achieving results that help.

Plan outside time and potty breaks

Take your dog out for bathroom breaks before the fireworks start, especially before the sun goes down and the night sky arrives to avoid needing to go out during the height of the noise. Make sure to bring your dog inside well before fireworks begin and keep doors, windows, and curtains closed to reduce noise and flashing lights.

Keep Calm

Dogs often look to their owners for reassurance, so it’s important to stay calm yourself. If you act anxious or stressed, your dog may pick up on that energy. Remain composed, and engage with your dog in a relaxed, comforting way. Distracting them with playtime or training exercises can also help take their mind off the noise.

Special Offer: 20% Off Wildbarc Snoods Throughout October

To help, Wildbarc is offering 20% off all jersey snoods for the entire month of October (whilst stocks last).

Don’t wait until the bangs start - get your snood now and help your dog stay calm and happy throughout the firework festivities.

By planning ahead and using tools like a snood, our hope is that you can make firework season much more manageable for both you and your dog.