How to calm your dog when fireworks are set off

Every year we see beautiful displays of fireworks which are coupled with ‘oohs and aahs’.

But what effect does this have on your animal?

With impeccable hearing that is more than twice as sensitive as a humans, fireworks sound like bombs to a dog.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your dog calm during fireworks:

• Make sure your dog gets a lot of exercise during the day.

• Keep your dogs inside during fireworks.

• Provide a safe place inside where your dogs can retreat when they are scared.

• Keep all the windows, curtains and doors closed during this time.

• Make sure your dog is wearing and ID tag on its dog collar for cases in which they escape.

• Give your dog something that will keep it busy, such as a dog ice block or delicious chew toy or treat.

• Play calm music softly in the background.

• Reassure your dog that everything is fine by calmly talking to it and stroking it.