Bonfire Night Blues

There is something so nostalgic and exciting about bonfire night; getting dressed in warm clothes, putting on your wellies, and going out to enjoy a firework display. However, it is easy to forget that not everyone shares this excitement, as fireworks can also be extremely distressing for our pets.

Some supermarkets have taken a stand against firework displays, such as Sainsburys who have not sold fireworks since 2019 demonstrating their commitment to empathy for animals and a recognition of their welfare as part of its ethical responsibilities. While other supermarkets are yet to follow this example, Aldi, Asda and Tesco have introduced low-noise fireworks which are less disruptive but are still visually stunning.

There are several brands who recognise that this is a really upsetting time for pets because they don’t understand where the loud noises are coming from. One brand that is trying to make fireworks less upsetting is PAWD drinks. PAWD offers liquid supplements for dogs, including a calming formula that features Passionflower and Melissa. These ingredients work together to soothe the nervous system and alleviate anxiety, making them particularly effective for dogs who become distressed during fireworks!

Here is what the Nobull team do to keep their furry friends happy on Bonfire night.

Flo

We like to keep all the curtains closed so the flashing lights don’t scare Indie (our goldendoodle), but what really helps her when it all goes Pete Tong is blasting Ibiza classics at top volume to drown out the sound of the fireworks. She also likes to lie behind someone, so she gets her own personal weighted blanket, to help keep her grounded. Our cats, like cats everywhere, are a bit more independent; they tend to hide under the bed, but a catnip treat always helps to keep them calm!

Jesse

While we don’t host fireworks ourselves, there are plenty of displays nearby. Our old dog, Marco, used to hate them. To help him cope, we’d turn up the TV to mask the loud bangs, shower him with treats, and offer plenty of reassuring words. We’d all gather in one room to keep him from feeling anxious or disoriented, and it really helped him stay calm.

Chloe

To keep Rasta (our miniature schnauzer cross terrier) calm during the explosions, we set up a cozy blanket fort, the ultimate safe haven. Since he is my no.1 movie buddy, we amp up the surround sound to drown out any scary noises. A little ear rub magic keeps him calm and settled, guaranteeing that his only fright is whether his treats will last through till the credits. But the true hero for my baby boy is his trusty bunny soft toy for him to snuggle up with.

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