Top Tips for Stress-Free Fireworks

Fireworks and Bonfire Night can be a cause of stress for many animals and their owners alike. We've put together a few top tips to try and keep everyone calm in the coming days and weeks.

Plan Ahead

It's helpful to know the dates, times and locations of local firework events. Keep an eye on local groups on social media, shop notice boards, local radio and chat to your neighbours and members of the community.

Stay in a Routine

Both dogs and horses appreciate a normal routine during times of stress so don't suddenly start doing anything different. If your horse is usually in the field and is settled there, then they may be best staying out, whereas the horses who are usually in stables overnight may find it less stressful there. 

Keep an Eye

Watch your animals for signs of stress so you can intervene if necessary. If you can't be with your horse, make sure you leave clear instructions with emergency contact details.

Consider a Calmer

We've got a range of dog calming and horse calming supplies - these can help to prevent stress in your animals and are definitely worth considering if you know your animal gets unsettled by fireworks.

Lights & Sounds

Both horses and dogs can benefit from leaving lights and radio / television on to disguise some of the bangs and flashes. Ensure it is loud enough to lessen the noise of the fireworks, but not so loud that it can cause stress itself.

Remain Calm

Animals are notoriously good at picking up on ques from humans about situations - ensure you stay calm yourself and don't react to the fireworks to try to encourage your pet to also stay calm. Horses in particular can sense stress, and if you are worried, you may be making your horse's behaviour worse.

Have a Plan

Have a plan of action for when there are likely to be fireworks and make sure your yard/house is prepped for the evening. 

Talk to the Vet

If you know your animal is likely to be very stressed, it might be worth talking to your vet about what else can be done to prevent your animal becoming overly stressed.

On top of this, for dogs, we recommend you create your dog a happy and safe place in advance of fireworks; somewhere they have blankets, beds, and toys. Toys where the dog has to engage their brain, like Kong, may help distract them, especially if they involve treat! It's a good idea to exercise your dog earlier in the day where possible so they are settled by the evening.

As for horses,make sure their stable or field are completely safe - check all your fencing is intact and has no gaps, and ensure your stable/paddock has nothing your horse can get caught on or hurt themselves on if they panic. Remember horses are flight animals, so if your horse is stressing it can quickly become a stressful situation, ensure you don't put yourself in danger. 

Signs to Look Out For

While some animals show their stress very obviously, here are some signs that your horse or dog may be stressed. 

Dogs:

• Pacing
• Looking to you for reassurance 
• Hiding
• Change in toilet habits
• Licking their lips
• Whining or barking
• Being clingy
• Drooling
• Shaking
• Lack of appetite
• Reluctance to play
• Trying to escape 
• Panting

Horses:

• Pacing the stable or field
• Flared nostrils or eyes, and reduced blinking
• Reluctance to eat
• Whinnying
• Grinding teeth
• Yawning
• Frequent and loose bowel movement
• Increased heart rate
• Not wanting to stand still
• Jumping
• Bolting
• Staring into the distance 

Good luck, stay calm and stay safe!

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