How to keep your pet dog or cat calm on Bonfire Night 2024: Expert vet tips if they’re scared of fireworks – Animals

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Bonfire Night is fast approaching, and whilst it’s a fun night with pals, it can be anxiety-inducing for our furry friends.

According to a recent survey, nearly half of all pet dogs are negatively impacted by fireworks with 45% of owners saying their pooch is anxious when they hear them. So, how can you keep your dog safe this Bonfire Night? Brits say they’ve found the perfect solution, and you can find it at your local Pets at Home store.

How to calm your dog down on fireworks night

There are lots of ways to prevent your dog from feeling anxious or distressed on and around Bonfire Night.

First things first: never take your dog to a firework display or force them outside if there are fireworks. If you’re heading out, leave your dog at home with someone familiar – they’re likely to feel more distressed if left alone or with a stranger. It’s also important to check your home and garden is escape-proof as dogs may try to run away if distressed.

If your dog shows signs of anxiety when they hear fireworks, it’s worth investing in an anti-anxiety coat to calm them. With thousands of rave reviews online, the ThunderShirt is designed to calm dogs when they’re distressed without medication. Many owners have purchased one for Bonfire Night and say the ‘genius’ coat has been an ‘absolute god send’.

In the reviews section, one dog owner explained that they purchased the jacket for their Maltese as he would become stressed whenever he heard fireworks.

“From the moment I put it on him, he relaxed completely and didn’t attempt to bark or run to the door once – despite the firework noises being relentless,” the five-star review reads. “The other thing I noticed was that he didn’t bother barking when an animal appeared on TV which is a real bonus as he usually barks at every creature even a cartoon one! The ThunderShirt is worth every single penny I paid for it.”

Another dog owner agreed, as they called the coat a ‘miracle’, after trying every other product on the market. “Omg I cannot believe I have found a product that delivers what it says,” they wrote. “I have a rescue dog that is very afraid of loud noises so fireworks cause chaos in our house with a very stressed out dog.”

“The beginning [of the fireworks] made her bark and pant to start with but then she sat by me and I could feel her heart rate decreasing rapidly and she stopped barking. By the time the firework display was at its height, my dog was flat out next to my husband only lifting her head when she heard a bang then promptly relaxing again. Worth every penny.”

Amazon also does a £21.99 version which comes complete with a calming ‘snood’.

How does the ThunderShirt work?

Dr Anna Foreman, in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, told LADbible: “These sorts of ‘thunder shirts’, as they are known colloquially, work through providing gentle pressure around an animal’s body to calm them, much like swaddling a child does. The snood component helps to cover over an animal’s ears to mute the sounds of loud noises, such as fireworks, too.

“Some dogs may not tolerate wearing these wraps, and so it is important to try them out beforehand to see how your dog reacts before using them in an anxiety inducing scenario. The snoods particularly may cause an animal distress – they can slip over an animal’s eyes for example.

“Additionally, the use of the snoods should be under veterinary guidance in animals with ear problems.”

Dr Laura Stapleton, veterinary surgeon for Pets at Home, added: “To get the best results, we recommend pairing vests with other stress-management techniques and gradually introducing dogs to wearing them in non-stressful situations. A proper fit is also key to maximize benefits, though it’s important to keep expectations realistic. Pressure vests might help some dogs, but they may not fully relieve all anxiety. For dogs that need additional support, particularly those with health issues, we encourage owners to consult their vet or a clinical veterinary behaviourist.”

According to the product description, the jacket has been proven to calm anxious dogs in over 80% of cases whether they’re scared of fireworks, storms or loud noises. It can be worn by cats too. With velcro fastenings, it’s easy to put on and take off with a breathable, lightweight fabric that’s machine washable.

The best part? There’s even a reflective strip to make sure your dog is easily identifiable in dark conditions – perfect for winter. You can purchase the viral Thundershirt Calming Coat Jacket from £28.20 at Pets At Home. It’s available for all dog breeds with five sizes available from XS to XL.

Buy now.