Preparing your pets for Bonfire Night

Tips for a Stress-Free Evening

Bonfire Night, with its beautiful fireworks and festivities, can be thrilling for us, but it often brings stress and anxiety to our pets. To help your furry friend feel more at ease during this time, here are some tips and products that can help you keep them calm and safe.

1. Create a Safe Space

Pets often find comfort in having a cosy, quiet space they can retreat to. Set up a comfortable area in a part of your home where the noise is minimal. This could be a bed or crate covered with a blanket to muffle the sounds and keep the lights out. Adding familiar toys and blankets can provide additional reassurance.

2. Use Calming Products

Many pet owners find that calming products can help reduce their pet’s anxiety during stressful times like Bonfire Night. Options include:

Calm Collars: These collars release pheromones that mimic a mother’s natural comforting scent, helping to relax anxious pets.
Calming Sprays and Diffusers: Pet-specific calming sprays and diffusers can be sprayed in your pet’s area or plugged into a nearby outlet. Pet remedy sprays, for example, have shown to work wonders for pets like Lottie (our little case study!), offering a comforting and natural way to calm them down.
Calming Tablets: For pets who need an extra level of calm, calming tablets are a good option. We offer pet-friendly tablets with ingredients like valerian root and chamomile, known for their relaxing effects. We also sell pill treats to help trick your dog into taking the tablets.
Calming Wipes: These can be applied gently to your pet’s coat. They provide a quick way to release soothing pheromones without fuss. For example, Pet Remedy calming wipes can be handy and effective for pets like Lottie, who benefit from their use.

_{Here is a picture of Lottie who is very anxious of fireworks after using a few of our calming products.}

3. Distract with Sounds and Entertainment

Drown out the noise of fireworks by playing soothing music or putting on a favourite show. Many streaming services offer playlists specifically designed to calm pets, which provide a background noise that helps cover up the sounds of fireworks.

4. Stay Calm and Offer Comfort

Pets can sense our emotions, so try to stay as calm as possible. If your pet comes to you for reassurance, gently cuddle them and speak in a calm, soothing tone. Some pets prefer space, while others benefit from extra cuddles. Gauge what your pet needs and respond accordingly.

5. Avoid Leaving Pets Alone

If possible, try to stay with your pet on Bonfire Night, especially if they have a history of anxiety around loud noises. Having you close by can help reduce their fear and make them feel more secure.

6. Exercise Beforehand

Taking your dog for a walk or playing with your cat before the fireworks start can help them expend some energy, making them more likely to settle down for the evening. A well-exercised pet is more likely to rest and feel relaxed.

Find the Perfect Calming Solution for Your Dog at Pet Stop

…And remember, every dog has unique needs, especially when it comes to managing stress. At Pet Stop, we all swear by our Pooch and Mutt Hemp Treats and Pet Remedy sprays and wipes to help calm anxious pups. But what works wonders for one dog may not be the best fit for another. So, feel free to pop into the store anytime for advice tailored to your furry friend. Our team is here to help you find the perfect solution to keep your pet calm and happy.