🎆🐕 Prepare for the “Most Dangerous Weekend for Dogs”! 🐾
Dog owners, heads up! This time of year can be especially challenging for our furry friends. With fireworks lighting up the sky for Diwali and lingering Bonfire Night celebrations, many pets feel stressed, anxious, and frightened.
Did you know last November saw an 81% spike in missing dogs? 😢 Almost 60% of pups struggle with fireworks, according to the 2025 Savanta poll. Chris Maxted, a dog safety expert, has shared some must-know tips to help keep your pets safe:
🔒 Secure Your Home: Ensure all doors, fences, and gates are locked and free of any weaknesses. Panicked pets can easily slip through gaps!
🚪 Front Door Safety: Consider adding a retractable dog gate or indoor barrier at the front door. This prevents quick escapes if the door is unexpectedly opened.
📍 Stay & Wait: Practise a routine where your dog stays on a bed or mat when you open the door. This gives you more control during noisy firework nights.
🆔 Update Microchip Info: Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up-to-date, so they can be returned quickly if they manage to run off.
🧘♂️ Reward Calmness: Recognise and reward calm behaviour with treats and praise – build positive associations with firework sounds.
🏠 Create a Safe Space: Set up a cosy nook in your home for your dog with familiar bedding and toys. Blackout curtains help cut flash visibility, and spend time there with them before the fireworks start.
👂 Mask the Noise: Close windows to muffle sounds, and play soothing music or the TV to dull the bangs.
🚨 Watch for Stress Signs: Keep an eye out for signs like yawning, pacing, or excessive panting; your dog might be struggling more than you think.
Remember, staying close to them and acting calmly can work wonders in reassuring your dog. Let’s work together to keep our beloved pets safe and sound! 🐶💕 Keep these tips in mind and help spread the word to fellow dog lovers. 🐾✨
#DogSafety #FireworkSeason #KeepDogsSafe #PetAwareness