Tips to stop noisy Halloween bangers frightening your pets

Halloween may be still over 6 weeks away, but noisy bangers and fireworks are already going off in some areas in Co Kildare and are causing pets to be frightened.

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust said certain breeds of dogs can be more sensitive to noise than others, and dogs that are generally anxious or nervous might also find it harder to cope.

If dog hasn’t been safely exposed to many different experiences, including loud noises, during their essential socialisation period, they can find it difficult to cope with novel sounds like fireworks.

Here are some things that might help;

• Keep your dog busy with interactive toys such as those that can be stuffed with tasty treats or even make your own by making plaits from old towels and adding treats as you plait.

• Maybe even consider asking a friend or relative who lives in a rural area that will have little or no fireworks on Halloween night if your dog can sleep over.

• At very noisy times around Hallowe'en, provide your dog with a safe hiding place (a suitably sized cardboard box would do) in his favourite room of the house and close the curtains.

• If it is not possible to black out your windows, consider taping black bags to them. Also turn up the volume of your television or radio to drown out the firework noises. Remember not to shut any internal doors, as he may feel trapped and panic.

• Don’t leave your dog alone in the house, as he may panic and injure himself.

• A stodgy high-carbohydrate meal (e.g. with well-cooked rice or pasta) in the late afternoon may help make your dog feel more sleepy and calm during the evening.

• Also make sure he goes out for a walk and toilets before it gets dark and the fireworks start.

Calming aids you can buy: 

ThunderShirts – a calming vest that applies gentle, constant pressure that may help your dog feel safe and secure (available in some pet shops and online).

Adaptil spray, collar or plug in diffuser – releases dog appeasing pheromones that help calm your dog.

Pet Remedy – a blend of essential oils that can help calm the nerves of anxious or stressed pets (available online).

Visit the Dogs Trust website and use the ‘Sounds Scary’ programme, which is not only backed by years of clinical experience, it is also scientifically proven to be safe, effective and easy to use.

Please do consult your vet if you think your pet will really struggle this Hallowe’en with fireworks as there are now several drugs available which reduce anxiety levels for dogs.