How to keep your dog calm this Halloween and Fireworks Night
Hallowe’en and Fireworks Night are two highlights of the winter months. But while us human beings will be having lots of fun, it is unlikely that our dogs are. These events bring with them noisy, excited children, loud bangs and flashes, a lot of coming and going, doorbells ringing, sugary, chocolatey treats and alcoholic drinks. For all but the calmest, most easy-going dog, this is an anxiety-inducing combination.
Here at Harbour Hounds we care about the well-being of all our four-legged friends so have put together some tips to help them cope with these winter worries.
The signs of stress in a dog
Dogs are pretty good at telling us when they are scared. Frightened dogs may shiver, shake, pant, salivate, yawn, lick their lips, stiffen up or hide. Some may refuse to leave your side or want to climb on to your lap regardless of how big they are.
For others the fear may be so great that they may chew, scratch, dig, destroy property, soil or even injury themselves.
Learn to recognise the signs that your own dogs display when afraid as this will act as your cue to take action to help keep them calm.
Naturally timid dogs
While any dog can be timid, some dogs are naturally more sensitive than others. For all their intelligence, Border collies and Australian shepherds can be very sensitive. Labradors and retrievers are renowned for their sensitivity, as it’s what makes them such good guide dogs, but also make superb gundogs. It’s also quite understandable that tiny breeds such as Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Papillion, toy poodles and pugs, would find the world in general intimidating, let alone on Halloween or Bonfire Night.
More surprising perhaps is the timidity in bigger breeds, such as Mastiffs, Weimaraners, griffons and German shorthairs, Afghan hounds, Ibizan and greyhounds, Akitas, malamutes and huskies, Vizslas and bulldogs, including the English variety, pit bulls and bull terriers.
If you own any of these breeds, big or small, it is worth preparing to help them through the trials of Trick or Treating at Halloween and the fireworks of Guy Fawkes Night.
How to keep your dog calm
A tired dog is a happy dog so take them for a long walk earlier in the day
Feed them earlier than usual, as fear and anxiety may affect their appetite
Close doors and windows to dampen the sounds from outside
Draw curtains and close blinds to keep out the flashes of light from fireworks or torches
Consider asking trick or treaters not to ring the bell or knock on the door, inviting them instead to help themselves from a bowl of treats you have left out
Turn up the TV, play music or put on the radio to cover noise from outside (classical or reggae music is supposedly best for this!)
Keep the Trick or Treaters’ sweets away from them but treat them to a tasty snack
Don’t confine them to one room as this can be equally distressing
Create a safe a secure place for them to retreat to
Don’t leave them on their own
Behave as normally as possible so that they do not pick on any tension or anxiety that you may have
And if they are cowering in a corner or under a bed, let them come out when they are ready or encourage them out with a favourite toy or a tasty treat
Follow these tips for a calm and peaceful Halloween and Fireworks Night with your four-legged friends.
Harbour Hounds is a social and environmentally responsible dog accessory brand, providing practical, stylish products, inspired by the fun and beauty of coastal living.
Like all dog owners, Harbour Hounds likes to get out and about and meet people - check out our events calendar to find out where we will be next.
For more information about Harbour Hounds, our range of accessories for dogs and their owners visit the Harbour Hounds website www.harbourhounds.com or contact us on woof@harbourhounds.com