Would you foster a dog during Bonfire Night?
The Dogs Trust in Salisbury are seeking fostering families
The Dogs Trust in Salisbury is asking people with space in their homes and their hearts, to foster a dog ahead of Bonfire Night.
Loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can be a terrifying experience for some dogs, and they can benefit from being looked after outside of the Newton Tony rescue centre.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Beckie Wheldon is a Canine Behaviourist at The Dogs Trust and says people can sign up to foster a dog ahead of Bonfire Night.
"At our Dogs Trust Salisbury centre, we will make sure that dogs who are particularly fearful of fireworks will go into a foster home.
"If there is anyone in the Salisbury area who would be willing to foster a dog, and willing to open their homes and hearts, they would really benefit from a home environment.
For those who have to stay put, Beckie explains how they're preparing to support them at the rescue centre:
"Our centre will be doing all sorts of things, like preparing the environment, making sure that blinds and curtains are closed so dogs can't see the lights flashing, and also keeping the radio on so they can block the outside noise."
You can find out more information about fostering on the charity's website.
Advice for dog owners
With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, Dogs Trust is encouraging dog owners to prepare for the firework season and offering up top tips to help dogs cope during an evening of fireworks.
These include making sure that your dog isn't left alone, so planning ahead is advised.
Keeping curtains closed and the TV on to create a safe space for dogs to retreat to, as well as adapting your routine to avoid taking your dog out when fireworks have started, are some of the key recommendations.
Dogs will react differently to fireworks; some can appear unbothered by the whizzes and banks, while others show signs of anxiety and fear, so it's important to understand the subtle and more obvious signs.
In case you find that your dog suffers a great deal from exposure to fireworks, the charity recommends booking a vet appointment ahead of the firework events, as the vet can provide advice and may prescribe medication to help your dog cope.
Dogs Trust Head of Canine Behaviour, Dr Jenna Kiddie, said:
“Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them. Following the recent news that firework displays that are run by local councils have been cancelled in some parts of the UK, there may be a rise in people hosting private firework displays at home.
“We would urge dog owners to be extra prepared for a rise in neighbourhood displays, and to look at our advice for full guidance on how to help their dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. Private firework displays may not be limited to one night, so it is very important for all dog owners to seek out advice early, in order to have a comfortable fireworks season with their dog.”
There are more tips on how to help you four-legged friend cope during fireworks' season on the charity's website.