As Guy Fawkes approaches, you may be planning a party, having a barbeque or organising for friends and families to get together for a spectacular show of colourful explosions.

But there’s one family member you should think of first – your dog, or your neighbour’s dog(s). In the last five years of claims submitted to AMI, 34% of those related to fireworks were of damage done by dogs being afraid of or getting stressed about fireworks going off nearby. 70% of those claims cost between $100 and $1,000, 11% up to $5000 and 6% up to $25,000.

However, while things can be repaired or replaced, “firework trauma” can have a lasting effect on your furry friend – such as undoing training, developing nervous habits or injuring themselves while trying to escape.

Here are a few ways you can keep dogs safe and happy this Guy Fawkes:

Dog Gone

The best way to keep your fur baby happy is to take them on a holiday – a favourite kennel, friend or family member’s house where you can be sure there won’t be much noise or many fireworks nearby. Ensure the space is familiar to the dog so there’s no stress of a new environment without their family.

Make a safe space

• Choose a room at the opposite and of the house where fireworks will be set off.
• Close the curtains to muffle sound and keep the lights on.
• If they’re happy in a crate, line it with familiar bedding and place a blanket over it to further muffle noise (but make sure there’s still plenty of airflow).
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
• Remove any sharp or “chewable” items.
• Have food and plenty of water handy, plus favourite toys or things to distract them with. If they like music, put the radio on at a normal volume.
• Before any fireworks start, take a long walk or have a big play to expend energy and help keep them calmer during the night. Don’t forget to take them out regularly to bathroom or provide absorbent mats if the dog is used to using them.

Talk to neighbours

Have a chat to your neighbours about what they plan on doing. Ask them to be considerate and do the same for them if they have pets afraid of fireworks.

Sedation

If your dog is particularly nervous, talk to your vet about the possibility of a mild sedative or similar to help calm the dog. Ensure it’s taken only as prescribed and have someone stay with the dog for a while to ensure they don’t have a bad reaction to it (if it’s the first time being taken).

Safety first

Don’t forget to take other safety measures as well – 28% of fireworks related claims in the last five years were due to fireworks burning through roofs, and damaging walls and gutters. Another 28% were from fireworks breaking windows.

Keep fireworks in an open area, actively supervise them and keep children well away. Don’t forget to keep a fire extinguisher or buckets of water handy to put out any fires.

Most importantly – have a great time with family and friends this Guy Fawkes. Be safe, and give your pets lots of pats – they deserve it!