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How to help your Dog cope with Fireworks

Here are some steps that should help you and your pet handle the fireworks season.

At least one week before the event

• Prepare a refuge area for your dog to go to during the fireworks
• Encourage your dog to use it by hiding food treats there
• Plug a DAP Diffuser in the room the dog uses to rest and relax and leave it switched on at all times

On the day of the event

• Exercise your dog during the day. Never walk your dog whilst fireworks are being let off
• At sundown, draw thick curtains or blinds across the windows in the room where the dog will retreat to. Ensure some toys are available for the dog to play with
• Make sure you have something to do in this room so you can stay with your dog
• Put some music on, preferably something with a lot of constant drumbeats. It does not have to be loud
• Ignore the firework noise yourself and try to engage your pet in some form of active game
• Ignore any fearful behaviour. Don't fuss or attempt to reassure your dog when it is scared as this rewards the behaviour
• Don't punish your dog either, it only confirms that there was something to be afraid of
• Make sure your dog is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times
• Allow free access to the refuge area/hidey hole at all times
• DAP spray can be applied onto to the dogs bedding on the night of the event for additional reassurance

After the event

• Leave the DAP Diffuser plugged in for a week
• If similar events are likely to happen over a number of nights maintain a DAP Diffuser throughout the whole period
• Consult your veterinary surgeon to discuss further treatment