Bonfire Night fireworks leave dogs ‘trembling with fear’ as vet reveals best way to calm your pet

Bonfire Night celebrations are set to cause a great deal of distress for Britons’ pets as one rescue charity said noise from fireworks had left their animals “trembling with fear”.

Staff are staying overnight to support the 60 rescue animals at Dogs Trust Glasgow, who often “shake and hide” due to the loud bangs.

Due to the effect on the pets, the charity’s centre on Hamilton Road has described early November as “the most stressful time of the year”.

Claire Herd, who works at the centre, described the distressing scenes.

“This is definitely the most stressful time of the year for the dogs, who are subjected to large bangs,” she told Glasgow Live.

“We have staff who stay overnight to check in on the dogs but there’s a limit to what we can do, especially with the number of dogs we have.

“At the time, they’ll be trembling, shaking and hiding – trying to escape from their kennel.”

The impact extends beyond the night itself, with some dogs affected for days after, the rescue worker explained.

“It’s almost like self-trauma where they are tail chewing and destroying their beds,” Herd added.

The unpredictability of fireworks in the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night exacerbates the problem.

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Herd added: “Some dogs will be affected for quite a while whether it’s not going out for walks the next day or not eating.”

Staff at Dogs Trust Glasgow find it “heartbreaking” that they can only do so much to help the animals in their care.

“It is heartbreaking to see and horrendous that we can only do so much to try and help them.”

Dogs Trust Glasgow has implemented several measures to help the dogs cope.

Claire Herd explained their strategy: “We’ve got a few members of staff today.

“The plan is to get everyone out early, try to tire them out and give them extra enrichment during the day.”

The centre also keeps the radio on at a higher volume with calming music to drown out firework noise.

Despite these efforts, the charity faces challenges. An application to establish a Firework Control Zone around their centre was unsuccessful, leaving them “disappointed” and “feeling quite let down”.

Dr Suzanne Moyes, a veterinary expert with Burgess Pet Care, offers advice for pet owners.

She recommends giving dogs a long walk during daylight and calling cats in early.

Creating a safe space with familiar smells and chew toys can comfort dogs, whilst cats need plenty of hiding places.

To muffle firework noise, Dr Moyes suggests using ‘white noise’ from household appliances and playing music. Distraction with games or treats is helpful, but pets shouldn’t be forced to participate.

Claire Herd from Dogs Trust Glasgow adds: “Keep your dog on lead and try to walk them before it gets dark.

“Give your dogs that reassurance if they need it. Don’t punish them if they are barking, it’s fear.”