Tima tells us “Even if you have a dog who isn’t bothered by fireworks, for many dogs it creeps up on them as they age…

I keep a tub of cut up White Fish Sausages (or home made soft treat; instructions below) in easy open tub from now onwards ( fireworks/ Diwali / people setting them off at random) and at the first bang I rush to the tub and get sausages out! I pair the firework bang with YUMMY FISH SAUSAGE taste!  I also say, in a lighthearted tone “ooh look at that, isn’t it lovely” etc”

 “I do this for all my dogs, every year!! We even stand outside on the decking and ooh and ahh at the pretty light show and make positive noises around them. My dogs are so conditioned that if they hear fireworks (or canons) on TV they sit up, look at me and say.. we think that was a ‘sausage incoming’ sound!

Obviously, if your dog isn’t a fan of fish sausages, then have something they love… a lot!!!.. dry treats won’t cut it.. it needs to be out of this world treats!!

You can also get dogs used to the noise by playing sound desensitisation noises from your online music player,  I use this for all my pups and pair it with feeding time while they live with me… and many of my pup owners find putting these sounds on will cause sleep!”

Unfortunately, some dogs will already hate fireworks and my advice would be to make it dark, play happy music to drown out the fireworks, let your dog wear a thunder shirt  or tight fitting hat to muffle the sound. Then distract your dog with games they like or food on a snuffle mat. Use Likkie mats with Finest Trout Mousse or Kongs filled with yummy Herring & Potato wet food. 

If your dog is totally terrified then, of course, we would always recommend speaking to your vet for advice and potentially calming medication but hopefully with these tips you can make it through, good luck!

Recipe for soft treats;

1 pouch (or 2) of fish for dogs mousse, 1 or 2 eggs, some salmon oil, and some binding of your choice.

Mix the wet ingredients well then add binding (four works) and keep mixing until it is the consistency of a sponge cake mix. I then put into old take away containers.

Fill about 1cm high and then microwave for 3 minutes, turn the loaf over and another 3 min. You may need to do longer/shorter depending on your microwave. You are looking for a squishy but solid consistency. Then cut into small squares and put into a tub in the fridge. These only last a few days but if you make a lot, freeze them into bags and only take out a handful at a time.