Keeping your dog calm during the Autumn season can be difficult, but with Halloween, Bonfire Night, and even – dare we say it – Christmas, fast approaching, there’s lots of sights and sounds that can put our four-legged friends on edge.
Here are some of our top tips to help your dog stay calm this autumn season.
Feed your four-legged friend before the action begins.
An anxious dog is unlikely to want to eat there usual meal especially when the fireworks begin or visitors start knocking on the door so try feeding your pooch a little earlier than normal. A full tummy will help your furry-friend feel content and more relaxed too.
Take your dog for a walk.
Giving you pooch lots of fun exercise and fresh air during the afternoon before the festivities start can really benefit you both (a tired dog is likely to be a lot calmer). It’s best to plan your walks a little earlier in the day to avoid taking them outside during the fireworks or when trick or treaters are walking around.
Whether it’s a walk to your favourite park, along the beach or just to your local shop, it is a great way to let your pup use some energy, if you’re able to play fetch too, we’re sure that will help to get tails wagging even more before returning home.
If you’re unable to take your dog for a walk before dark, why not try other ways of expending their energy, you could play a game of hide and seek, play ‘tug’ with a toy, or even chase bubbles around the house or garden.
Shut the world out.
Closing blinds or curtains and popping the radio or TV on to a soothing channel can be a great relaxation and distraction method – listening to a station such as Classic FM is a good way of keeping your dog calm during fireworks, and the sound may help to mask some of the whizz, pops, and bangs!
Create a Doggy Den.
Creating a safe space securely indoors is a good way of keeping your dog calm during fireworks.
You could even build a small den for them and for added comfort, include a blanket or piece of your clothing for a familiar scent. You could complete it with their favourite toys and a tasty treat, (why not try our Laughing Dog Sleep Tight teats). When the fireworks start, try and see if you can cover their den so they can’t see any of the flashes from outside.
Create a Calm Environment.
Staying calm yourself and talking to your furry friend will help to reassure them that they are safe. Sitting on the sofa or even the floor with them, letting them bask in the familiarity of your voice and scent will help them feel safe.
Provide a distraction.
Offer your four-legged friend a toy to play with, a doggy puzzle or even a lick mat to help distract them. Try not to worry if your pooch doesn’t want to play though, it can all be a little overwhelming for those with sensitive ears and noses, and having snuggles with their favourite hoomans can be a great distraction too!
Trick or Treaters & Festive Visitors.
Another way of keeping your dog calm this autumn, especially when visitors might call, is to keep them away from the door with a baby gate or even in let them use their safe space or doggy den in a separate room (Halloween costumes can be very spooky to our furry family members). Be patient if they are a little shy to greet new friends or family members, with all the different smells and noises in the air, your normally very sociable pooch may need a little extra time to feel confident enough to say ‘hello’.
Lastly, remember to keep the trick or treat sweet bowl away from your pup, (chocolate can be toxic to dogs), why not shop our range of delicious treats available in wheat free and grain-free recipe options here.
You can find even more helpful tips on the RSPCA’s website for different pets.
