5 handy hints for noise shy dogs

Bonfire night has to be the worst time of year for our pets. No longer is it a one day event - it seems to last for a couple of weeks. Dogs often react badly to fireworks causing them considerable stress. Here are some helpful hints to help beat the bangs.

1. Get your dog used to noise
I would suggest that from the beginning of October you start to introduce the dog to loud noises such as bangs. This can be done a lot sooner than October, but no later. One of the ways of doing this is by using a noise aid CD you can buy that you play in the background and start building up the level of background noise. You can find the CDs from online pet supplies retailers such as Swell Pets.co.uk.

2. Make sure the dog has a warm comfortable bed
When any dog feels threatened they will always seek a safe place to hide. One way to do this is to create a warm comfortable bed for them. Many dog crates also make great beds for dogs and can be used as their safe place. You can cover the top of the crate with a blanket and leave the door open so the dog can come and go as he pleases. Having a blanket on top will make the dog feel more secure. Some dog beds may also fit inside the crate, giving your dog somewhere warm and comfortable to lie down.

3. Play music or turn on the TV
When it comes to bonfire night it’s always best to walk the dog before it gets dark so that you are back home safe before the fireworks start. When it starts to get dark it's best to draw the curtains and turn the TV up or the radio on. This will help drown out the noise of the bags.

4. Feed earlier than normal
On the worst night, it is suggested that you feed the dog earlier than normal. For example if it was bonfire night you would feed the dog food before 7pm when it’s dark and the fireworks start. If the dog is noise shy then the bags will make them anxious and could make the dog sick. By feeding the dog food earlier it should settle before the dog starts to get anxious.

5. Relaxation aids
Another method to help relax the dog is by using DAP diffuser. DAP stands for Dog Appeasing Pheromone and is a substance produced by lactating bitches which is claimed to comfort and reassure the dog. You can buy DAP diffusers from specialist pet supplies retailers.

Karren Newton is a pet’s advisor at Swell Pets, one of the UK's leading retailers of pet supplies, whose stocks include a wide range of dog foods such as Arden Grange dog food and dog relaxation aids.