How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Bonfire Night: Do Dog Calming Tablets Help?

If you’re wondering how to keep your dog calm on bonfire night, there’s a few simple things you can do to make sure they feel more calm.

Whilst we might be looking forward to enjoying the festivities and watching a firework display, our four-legged-friends are maybe not so much. A dog’s hearing is sensitive and they can easily become frightened or anxious when they hear the sound of fireworks going off.

However, by planning ahead, and putting some simple things in place to create a safe space for your pet, you too can feel calmer ahead of the fireworks season.

We’re also discussing dog calming tablets and their effectiveness as these might be a good option if your dog is anxious. All of the insights discussed in this blog are supported by a professional veterinarian. Nicola Endersby, founder of Cura, holds a BVMS (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery) and is an MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons), so you know that the advice is backed by professional veterinary knowledge and expertise.

Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm On Bonfire Night

Below are some ways to help calm your dog on bonfire night so they feel less distressed. For any pet parent, seeing their dog anxious can be distressing so it’s important both you and your four-legged friend are at ease.

Build a den with their favourite things

A den serves two purposes as not only does it help your dog feel secure and safe, but it also serves as the perfect place to fill it with things they enjoy. This could be their favourite toys, treats, and blankets so they make a positive association with it.

It also means they have a dedicated place to return to when the fireworks start and they feel uneasy. Allow them to use this space as little or as much as they want – it’s important not to force them into it as it might feel like a punishment.

Play calming music

Calming music can help drown out the sound of the fireworks, giving your dog something relaxing to focus on instead. You can search for specific dog-calming soundtracks on YouTube, so that you can find music designed to create a soothing environment.

This also means that the sudden bangs and the sounds of fireworks going off may be less noticeable, helping your dog feel more settled.

Close the doors and windows

Limiting noise where possible can be helpful as fireworks can be loud, especially if they’re nearby (i.e. neighbouring gardens). Keeping your windows and doors closed can help reduce the amount of noise and creates an extra barrier between your dog and the sounds outside.

This can make sudden bangs sound more muffled, helping reduce your dog’s anxiety. It’s a small thing, but it can make a big difference to controlling the noise. Drawing your curtains or blinds can help further by reducing flashes of light which can be startling.

Relax yourself

Whilst it can be distressing seeing your dog in fear, try and relax as much as possible. Avoid pacing around or overly comforting them, as this can indicate that there is a reason for them to be fearful.

Whilst petting your dog and showing them affection is normal, avoid reinforcing their fear by making a fuss or reacting anxiously yourself. Let them roam as they please, whether this is cuddling up beside you on the sofa or taking some time out for themselves in their safe space.

Get them used to the sound

The sound of fireworks can be distressing as dogs usually only hear this sound once a year so they’re not used to it. This can be particularly the case if you live in a quiet or remote area as they’ll be less accustomed to noise. However by gently exposing dogs to these sounds, in a calm and controlled way, it can reduce the anxiety they associate with it.

You could play a recording of a firework display on your phone, helping them to feel more comfortable with the sound of loud bangs and crackling. Give them a treat after playing the recording to reinforce a positive association.

Distract them with toys and play

One way to take your dog’s mind off the sound outside is to distract them with toys. By engaging in play, their mind will be focussing on something else which can make them feel more relaxed as they are not fixated on what’s going on outside.

Try picking up their favourite toy (one you know they love playing with) and see how they respond. Again, don’t force them into playing if they would prefer to take themselves away and rest in a different room. It’s about ensuring they can feel your presence so comfort is there if they need it.

Try calming tablets / supplements / sprays

If your dog is particularly unsettled by fireworks, calming supplements and sprays can help. These products are designed to support relaxation and may help some dogs feel more at ease during bonfire night.

Dog-calming products come in different forms, such as tablets, chews, powders, and sprays. Their effectiveness can vary from one dog to the next, so it’s important to choose a product that suits your dog best.

If you’re unsure about a particular calming supplement, especially if your dog has an existing health condition, speak to your vet first. At Cura, we offer a range of calming supplements designed to help your dog feel more at ease during times of stress. For example, the below supplements might be helpful:

• Zylkene Calming Supplement for Dogs and Cats – designed to support relaxation during stressful situations, this is a useful option if you’re worried that loud and unfamiliar noises will leave your dog feeling unsettled.
• Protexin SereniCare for Dogs and Cats – as an anxiety supplement, this provides calming support for dogs and cats. It contains a novel blend of ingredients to help manage stress, anxiety and gut health.
• Pet Remedy Calming Spray – containing a blend of essential oils which work alongside the natural relaxation pathways, this helps calm the nerves of anxious and stressed pets.
• Anxitane Chewable Tablets for Dogs and Cats – Anxitane is a highly palatable tablet containing the natural ingredient L-Theanine, which helps calm and reduce anxiety in dogs and cats.
• Gold Label Canikalm Once For Dogs – as a quick, natural calmer for dogs, this supplement helps maintain a healthy nervous system. It can be used for showing or travelling, or can be administered to dogs that do not like loud noises.

Speak to your vet

If you’re unsure about how best to support your dog through bonfire night, or you’ve tried different calming techniques and they still seem anxious, speak to your vet. They can help you understand what may be causing your dog’s fear and recommend ways to support them.

It’s especially important to seek veterinary advice if your dog’s anxiety is severe or causing them significant distress. Your vet can discuss the options available and help you put a plan in place to make events such as bonfire night more manageable.

Do Dog Calming Tablets and Supplements Work?

Dog calming tablets and supplements are designed to support relaxation during times of stress such as fireworks. However, their effectiveness will vary depending on the dog, the product and its ingredients, so they shouldn’t be viewed as a guaranteed solution for dog anxiety.

For bonfire night, calming supplements can be treated as part of a wider approach alongside creating a safe space, reducing outside noise and keeping your dog’s environment as calm as possible.

How to Keep Your Dog Calm on Bonfire Night: Do Dog Calming Tablets Help

Knowing how to keep your dog calm on bonfire night can help you prepare for events when noise is outside of your control.

From creating a safe space for your dog, to shutting doors and windows, to being more relaxed in yourself, there are lots of ways you can help make your pet feel more at ease. Dog calming supplements and sprays can also be beneficial, helping them feel more relaxed and less on edge.

If you have any questions regarding any of the advice discussed in this guide, contact us at Cura. As a vet-owned and vet-run online dispensary, we treat your pets as if they were our own. We’re here to help your dog live a happy and comfortable life and we can advise on the best treatments.