Burford vet shares advice to help dogs cope with fireworks

Stow Veterinary Centre in Burford said the loud bangs and flashes of fireworks can trigger intense fear and stress in dogs, who experience the world very differently from humans.

Becca Jones and Carrie Collins, clinical directors at the centre, said: "We experience fireworks knowing exactly what they are, when we're likely to hear them and that they aren't a threat.

"Our dogs don't have that explanation. Imagine suddenly hearing an extremely loud, unpredictable noise when you don't know where it has come from.

"For some dogs, their body responds as though there is something they need to protect themselves from.

"These aren't dogs being naughty or overreacting. They can be outward signs of a very real fear response."

They explain that dogs can hear sounds from about four times further away than humans and can detect higher frequencies, making fireworks especially startling.

Research has shown that dogs with firework sensitivity display changes in their autonomic nervous system when exposed to firework sounds.

More obvious signs of distress include trembling, barking, hiding or attempting to escape, but fear is not always so visible.

Subtler signs can include pacing, panting, restlessness, refusing food, or seeking extra attention.

Not all dogs react the same way to fireworks, and the reasons are complex.

Genetics, age, health, past experiences and learning can all play a role in how a dog responds.

Ms Jones and Ms Collins said: "Owners sometimes wonder why their new puppy is frightened when their previous dog wasn't, or why two dogs living in exactly the same household react completely differently.

"Fear can also change during a dog's lifetime.

"So, if a dog suddenly develops a sensitivity to noise when it hasn't been frightened before, I'd recommend talking them to your vet."

They also advised that owners can help by creating a safe space for their dog, closing curtains, providing background noise, and keeping dogs indoors during firework displays.

It is important to allow dogs some choice in how they cope.

Some may seek comfort from their owners while others may prefer to hide.

For dogs with a known fear of fireworks, longer-term approaches like desensitisation and counterconditioning may help, alongside behavioural support and veterinary assessment.

The clinic recommends speaking to a vet well before Bonfire Night to put a plan in place.

Owners concerned about their dog’s reaction to fireworks can contact Stow Veterinary Centre – Burford for personalised advice.

More information is available at www.cvsvets.com/south-east/stow-veterinary-centre-burford.