If you are anything like me then you'll dread bonfire night.

I have always kept dogs and like many other animal owners out there, bonfire night and indeed the lead up to it is a traumatic time for us all.

For many years I have tried to console a much distressed dog and tried many things in an attempt to comfort her. I expect that this year will be no different. My previous dogs were also affected very badly, as were one of our horses. Iv'e heard of many a pet go missing over this period and all too frequently get distressed myself simply thinking of what could be.

So, how can we help keep our pets distress to a minimum and manage the fears that they have?

Planning ahead will most certainly help.

Now is a good time to speak with your vet about DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) - this is a plug in diffuser which emits a synthetic substance which mimics a pheromone that a bitch produces for her puppies. It's a comfort for your pet and will most certainly help them feel more at ease.
It's also available in a spray which can be used on bedding and indoor kennels.

Thundershirt:
What? you may ask......
I actually purchased one of these little vests last year from Amazon. It's almost like a t shirt for dogs and although it sounds slightly wacky as to how it would help, I have to say it certainly did. It didn't cure the issue totally but my dog was most certainly a lot calmer and I think had I used it earlier to help her adapt to it then it might have achieved more. The vest wraps around your dog and fastens by velcro. You have to attach it quite tightly as it acts through pressure and is based on the Tellington Touch method of stress relief used by many behaviourists.

Behaviour breeds behaviour
If you seem anxious then your dog will too. Try and remain calm yourself. Don't act any differently to how you normally would do. By reinforcing your dogs anxious behaviour and paying them special attention you are simply making them believe that it is right to behave that way and by doing so they get more attention. Of course this means that they are likely to then do it again. Easier said than done from experience when you have a 4 stone dog jumping on your knee with fear - but do it you must!

Long walks
Before the darkness sets in and the fires are lit, get your dog out for a good lengthy walk. Tiring them out makes them less likely to become quite as stressed.

Distractions are great
Turn up the volume, produce a new squeeky toy to play with and deliver regular treats as a distraction. It might not help kill the whole night but it will certainly contribute to it.

Natural remedies and alternative treatments
Bach flower remedies such as skullcap or valerian are a great alternative to relieving anxiety. Simply by using a few drops in your dogs water from a few days before the event can help.

Music CD's
CD's can be purchased containing loud noises such as fireworks and other bangs and crashes. You can even download sounds through various channels to acustom your pets over the weeks leading up to bonfire night.

Of course non of this is totally guaranteed and you can but try what you feel is right for your dog or other pet. From experience, each pet is different just as we are. All we can do is help to assist them through one of the most traumatic times of the year.

I hope that at least one of the above may help and I'd be interested to hear of other things you may have tried for yourself.

For further assistance please consult your local vet or behaviourist.