Bang! Boom! Whizz! Guy Fawkes night is just around the corner!
As much as you might love the awe and wonder that comes with a beautiful fireworks display, unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our furry friends.
That’s why we’ve put together our 7 tips for making sure your home is a sanctuary for your pets while the fireworks are popping and banging in the background.
1. Keep Your Pets Inside
The first thing you need to do to make sure your pet feels safe and secure is to bring them inside and, if possible, stay close to them. This may seem like a no-brainer for some, but many people have “outside” dogs who aren’t allowed into the house except for special reasons, and we believe this one qualifies. Don’t worry about their fur getting all over the furniture, we can take care of any mess they could possibly make!
2. Close Curtains, Windows, Blinds etc.
Make sure that you block out as much of the noise and bright flashes of light as possible, as both can be startling to a pet that has never experienced something like this before, especially if it’s close by.
3. Drown Out The Noise
There are many ways to do this, from playing calm classical music at a comfortable volume to specially crafted pet soothing playlists like THIS ONE.
Some dogs love watching TV or are soothed by the sound of a fan or air conditioner. Find out what works best for you and your pet!
4. Distract Them With Games
This is a great time to bond with your pet and play a game or two to take their minds off the noise going on around them. Try to incorporate treats for ignoring the loud noises which not only acts as a positive association technique but also has a beneficial effect on the chemistry of their brains too.
5. Create A Safe Space For Them To Hide In
When animals are frightened or can’t locate the source of a loud disturbance their natural instinct is to squeeze themselves into tight spaces and hide away. This can often have bad consequences if they can’t get out again or hide somewhere they can’t be found.
Some pets already have enclosed nooks or crates where they sleep and this can act as a safe refuge for them. If your pet doesn’t have one of these designated safe spaces it might be worthwhile creating a corner of the lounge or bedroom that’s covered and comfy for them to retreat into if they need it.
6. Exercise Them Well Earlier In The Day
Sometimes if you get all of their energy out during the day, it will also mean that a lot of their nervous energy has been expended as well. If you’re lucky they may be able to simply sleep right through the noise with the help of some sound distractions and noise dampening from closed windows and doors.
7. Calm Them Through Smells
Animal’s noses are highly tuned instruments and this can also be beneficial in trying to calm them down. Lavender is known to help calm dogs down, so think about spraying a natural lavender oil mixture onto their blankets or cushions to help them regulate their own responses.
At the end of the day, you know your pet the best. Find out what works for both of you and help them stay calm and happy in what can often be a stressful time for them.
If you’ve turned your house upside with blanket and cushion forts for your dog to hide in, or if their fur got onto all of the furniture during cuddle time, you can simply book a cleaning with us and we’ll make sure your home is back to it’s sparkling best in no time!
