After removing the Halloween pumpkins, many of us anticipate Bonfire Night, the next major fall festival.
However, the same cannot be said for our pets, for whom pyrotechnics can be frightening and unpleasant.
According to The Kennel Club, over the two weeks around Bonfire Night and Diwali in 2021, 34 percent more dogs went missing than during the subsequent two weeks.
Fortunately, the specialists at the canine organization have produced a Spotify playlist that can help desensitize our pets to fireworks, which can be found here.
It consists of over an hour and a half of cracks, whizzes, and bangs from pyrotechnics and will be played intermittently to our dogs leading up to November 5.
The Kennel Club advised: “Begin with a modest volume for a brief period and gradually increase it to prevent distressing your dog.”
Stop immediately if your dog begins to exhibit indications of distress and seek the assistance of an experienced trainer or behaviorist.
This year, Diwali celebrations, which are followed by countless fireworks displays, were held from October 22 to October 26.
This occurs within two weeks of Guy Fawkes Night, which historically involves the use of fireworks.
It makes the two-week period extremely stressful for dogs and other pets, prompting some to escape or flee.
Although the playlist will help prepare children for the sounds of the fireworks, it is not the only factor that can induce terror.
Vibrations, flashing lights, and strong odors may not be frightening to people, but they can be perplexing and distressing for animals.
Therefore, you may need to take additional measures to keep your dog calm on Saturday night.
The Kennel Club suggests creating a safe zone for them, complete with blankets and their favorite toys, and using the television or radio to block out the noise.
Additionally, closing the curtains will block any frightening flashes of light and lessen the volume of the explosions.
Additionally, owners should attempt to feed their dogs early in the evening in case they grow too anxious to eat later, and walk them before dusk to avoid being outside when a fireworks display begins.
Before Bonfire Night, it is prudent to ensure that your garden is escape-proof in case your pet is frightened by a loud noise and wants to flee, as well as to verify that their microchip information is up-to-date.
According to a survey commissioned by The Kennel Club, over half of the owners report that their dog is afraid of fireworks.
Twenty percent of owners observed their pets exhibiting stress-related behaviors such as pacing, howling, or excessive panting.
A third of pet owners have witnessed their dogs trembling and shivering during fireworks displays, while more than a quarter report their pet’s excessive barking.
Due to the continuous detrimental effects of unregulated fireworks on the nation’s dogs, The Kennel Club urges the government of the United Kingdom to launch a legislative review.
It is urging members of parliament to restrict the use of fireworks to approved events exclusively and to reduce the decibel limit of displays.
The organization also recommends the implementation of a fixed penalty notice system for the misuse of fireworks to limit harm to animals and vulnerable populations.
Mark Beazley, chief executive officer of The Kennel Club, remarked, “The element of surprise is one of the primary aspects that make fireworks so stressful for dogs.”
“If owners can anticipate fireworks, they can manage their dog’s distress in a way that works for them. For the sake of the nation’s dogs, we are asking the government to recognize this and amend the relevant legislation.”
‘Each year, thousands of dogs flee, exhibit out-of-character behavior, and exhibit evident symptoms of fear and suffering, proving that, tragically, there are truly severe and long-term repercussions when dogs are unexpectedly frightened by fireworks.
“While we ask the government to consider our proposals to protect the wellbeing of dogs, we also urge owners to exercise caution throughout the fireworks season.”
Each dog reacts differently, so owners need to know what to do and how to keep their four-legged companion safe.
