Halloween can be a frightening time for dogs, because many communities mark the night by setting off fireworks. The startling noise that comes along with the spectacle sends many dogs running for cover with their tail between their legs. Knowing Halloween is just around the corner, here are five ways to help your dog get through the night:
Five Ways to Help Your Dog Through Fireworks
- Take your evening walk early – if going for a walk after supper is part of your regular routine with your pet, you may want to squeeze that walk in before it gets dark outside. In some neighbourhoods, like ours, random fireworks are set off even before it gets dark, so the earlier you go for a walk, the less likely your dog will be startled by the pop of fireworks.
- Stay at home with your dog – when they’re scared, dogs prefer to be close to their people. If you’re taking the kids trick-or-treating, or answering the door regularly to hand out treats, try to find a friend or relative to hang out with your pet in a quieter area of the house, such as the basement or a den
- Play music in your home, or turn on a fan or other white noise – the sounds inside your house will drown out or dampen the sudden popping of fireworks
- Wrap your dog in a blanket and snuggle – our poor pooch was literally shaking in fear the last time Halloween came around. A warm blanket and a snuggle gave her enough comfort to calm her down and make it through the barrage of fireworks. Petting your dog with long, calm strokes on the body and ears will have a calming effect as well.
- Play some training games with treats and favourite toys, or give them a long-lasting treat or bone to gnaw on – choose games that keep your dog near you (such as tug) as opposed to game that send them running (such as fetch) so that you can encourage and respond to them within the context of the game if a loud pop randomly occurs. You can even integrate the popping noise of the fireworks into your game by using the sound as a start cue to let the game begin. The idea here is to keep their brains engaged on the game or the treat to take the focus away from alleviate the anxiety of waiting around for the next boom.
The best way to help your pet through fireworks is to stay with them in a space that’s as far removed from the noise as possible. If you have to take your dog out when fireworks have already started, make sure you have a firm hold on their collar or leash. You may even want to pick them up and hold them close as you transfer them from the car or the house if they’re really scared. If the door opens at the same time a fireworks is set off, your worried pet may bolt in fear, and the last thing you want is a terrified dog on the loose.