This fireworks season, Classic FM’s Dan Walker and Charlotte Hawkins discuss how to keep dogs quiet….
Fireworks season is a time of celebration, filled with sparkling displays and the crackle of colorful pyrotechnics lighting up the night sky. For many of us, it’s a magical time. However, for our four-legged friends, it can be a season of stress and anxiety. Every year, dog owners across the country grapple with how to comfort their pets as loud bangs and sudden flashes disrupt the peace. Recognizing this challenge, Classic FM’s Dan Walker and Charlotte Hawkins have stepped in to offer advice on how to keep dogs calm during fireworks season.
As passionate pet owners themselves, Walker and Hawkins know firsthand how distressing fireworks can be for animals. Speaking on Classic FM’s Pet Sounds, a program specially designed to soothe pets during fireworks season, they shared practical tips, scientific insights, and personal anecdotes to help pet owners create a calm environment for their furry companions.
The Science Behind Dogs’ Firework Anxiety
Dogs’ acute hearing is one of the reasons fireworks are so distressing for them. While humans can hear sounds up to 20,000 Hz, dogs can detect frequencies as high as 65,000 Hz. This heightened sensitivity means the loud cracks and booms of fireworks can feel overwhelming and even painful to dogs. Coupled with sudden flashes of light and vibrations, fireworks create a sensory overload.
“Dogs don’t understand what’s happening,” Charlotte Hawkins explained during the segment. “Their instinct is to associate these loud, unpredictable noises with danger, which triggers their fight-or-flight response.”
Classic FM’s Pet Sounds: A Musical Solution
To combat this, Classic FM has created Pet Sounds, a program designed to provide a calming soundtrack for pets. The playlist features soothing classical music that has been scientifically proven to reduce stress in animals. Studies have shown that classical music can lower heart rates and cortisol levels in dogs, promoting relaxation.
Dan Walker shared, “Music has such a powerful effect on emotions, not just for humans but for animals too. Playing something gentle and melodic can help drown out the fireworks and create a sense of security.”
Practical Tips for a Calmer Fireworks Season
In addition to recommending Pet Sounds, Walker and Hawkins offered several practical strategies for managing dog anxiety during fireworks season.
1. Create a Safe Space
“Dogs need somewhere to retreat to when they’re feeling scared,” Hawkins advised. “Set up a cozy den in a quiet room, away from windows and doors. Add their favorite blankets, toys, and maybe even an old T-shirt that smells like you it can be incredibly comforting.”
Curtains and blinds should be drawn to block out flashes of light, and placing furniture or cushions against the walls can help muffle external sounds. If your dog chooses to hide, it’s important to let them stay in their safe space without trying to coax them out.
2. Use Calming Products
There are various products available that can help reduce stress in dogs. Walker mentioned pheromone diffusers, sprays, and collars that mimic the natural calming pheromones produced by mother dogs. These can create a soothing atmosphere in your home.
Additionally, anxiety wraps like the ThunderShirt apply gentle, constant pressure to your dog’s body, which can have a calming effect. “It’s a bit like swaddling a baby,” Walker explained. “That feeling of being held can be very reassuring.”
3. Distract with Play and Treats
If your dog isn’t too anxious, engaging them in play or providing long-lasting chews can be a great distraction. Hawkins suggested puzzle toys filled with treats or peanut butter to keep dogs occupied.
“For my dog, a Kong stuffed with something tasty works wonders,” Hawkins shared. “It keeps her busy and helps take her mind off the noises outside.”
4. Stay Calm and Reassuring
Dogs are incredibly attuned to their owners’ emotions. If you’re stressed or anxious, your dog is likely to pick up on it. Walker emphasized the importance of staying calm: “Speak to your dog in a soothing tone and try not to overreact to the fireworks. They’ll look to you for cues on how to respond.”
5. Plan Ahead
Knowing when and where fireworks are likely to occur can help you prepare. Many local councils and community groups publish firework schedules, giving you time to ensure your dog is safe indoors before the displays begin. Walker also recommended taking dogs for a long walk earlier in the day to tire them out, making them more likely to settle down in the evening.
What Not to Do
While it’s natural to want to comfort a distressed pet, it’s important to avoid certain behaviors that can inadvertently reinforce anxiety. For example, overly fussing or coddling your dog when they’re scared can signal that there’s something to be afraid of, potentially escalating their fear.
“It’s a fine balance,” Hawkins noted. “You want to be reassuring, but you don’t want to make a big deal out of the situation. Act normal, and your dog will be more likely to stay calm.”
Beyond Fireworks Season
While fireworks season is a particularly challenging time for dogs, anxiety management is an ongoing process. Both Walker and Hawkins stressed the importance of long-term strategies, such as desensitization and training.
Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to the sounds of fireworks at a low volume and rewarding them for staying calm. Over time, this can help reduce their fear response. However, this process should be started well in advance of fireworks season and done under the guidance of a professional trainer or behaviorist if needed.
Looking to the Future
As fireworks season continues to cause distress for many animals, there’s growing advocacy for silent or low-noise fireworks. These alternatives significantly reduce the sound produced by traditional fireworks while maintaining the visual spectacle, making them a more pet-friendly option.
“Change takes time, but it’s something we should all be pushing for,” Walker said. “In the meantime, it’s up to us as pet owners to do everything we can to keep our animals safe and happy.”
Final Thoughts
Fireworks season doesn’t have to be a nightmare for dogs and their owners. With preparation, patience, and tools like Classic FM’s Pet Sounds, you can create a calmer environment for your pet. As Dan Walker and Charlotte Hawkins reminded listeners, the key is understanding your dog’s needs and responding with empathy and care.
“Dogs are part of the family,” Hawkins concluded. “They rely on us to look after them, especially during stressful times like this. A little effort can make a huge difference.”
By implementing these strategies, you can ensure your dog feels loved and protected, even when the world outside is booming and flashing. For more calming music and tips, tune in to Classic FM during fireworks season and let the soothing sounds help you and your pet weather the storm.
