06/10/2026
Here we go again 🎆 🎇 🧨
It's that time of year where we are getting close to firework and bonfire season. Don't wait till they actually start to get prepped.
Different dogs, different management.
🐾 Puppies
Those that know nothing of these sky cracklers, do not over do it! People can sometime cause an issue because a firework goes off and owners jump to "it's ok, it's alright, there there" when the pup, beforehand, was non the wiser or not effected by the kabooms. But now they are!
If anything, now is your time to carefully expose them. If you hear some spicy sparklers going of in the distance, open the window a touch so they can hear, and do some training or start playing a game of tug. Really get into it and get animated. Expose, but distract too. Of course if they are right above your head, it may be a bit much. If they a super far but still visable, take your pooch out in the garden on a lead and again, watch a bit, play a bit etc.
🐾 Dogs that don't care
Great, keep doing what your doing 👍
🐾 Dogs that are fearful
Get to work now. Calming supplements like skullcap and valerian or pheromone collars, start them now. Get that loaded up in your dogs system. Assume that every night might be sky confetti night, close curtains as soon as it is getting dark, close windows, keep that telly/radio up louder than usual and don't panic when the fireworks start. Try and act normal. Yes you can comfort your dog if they need it, but be confident with it, no baby talk. Have chews, likimats, snuffle matts, stuffed kongs, anything they like, ready for when needed.
Dogs that are especially scared, on lead at all time when out. That includes the garden. As an ex dog warden, I cannot tell you how many more dogs we used to get at this time of year because they bolted after a firework went off whilst they where on a walk or in the garden and they panicked.
There are lots of choices on youtube for sound desensitisation. Play it low at first, then increase the volume as your dog progresses to be comfortable. Again, give them something to do at the same time, scatter feed, chews, food puzzles.
And of course, tag or share with anyone who's dogs may struggle over firework season.
Stay safe all 🐾
