Firework season has officially begun, which means if you haven’t already, you’re about to notice flashes of light and sudden bangs on the evenings. But what is typically a cosy and magical viewing experience for most people and their children can be vastly unsettling and stressful for pets.
One of the most effective ways to help your cat or dog feel safe and more relaxed during noisy events is to create a designated calming den. This is their safe space, providing comfort and familiarity when the nerves are kicking in.
With Bonfire Night only a week away, it’s especially important to get your preparations in place early. This blog will teach you how to build a perfect den ahead of the autumn festivities and explain why these are useful to have all year round.
Why do pets need a calming den?
Loud noises, whether it be from fireworks, thunderstorms, or even nearby parties, can quickly trigger a pet’s fight or flight response. Without a secure place to hide, they can experience overwhelming fear and anxiety, which manifests as trembling, panting, hiding in unsuitable places, and even destructive behaviour.
The option of a calming den provides a reliable and secure environment where your pet can retreat when they feel threatened. It becomes a place of comfort and positive association, allowing them to manage their own stress in their own time. It’s not just a seasonal fix either – a den is a wonderful tool for helping pets cope with any situation that causes them to feel uneasy.
Building a dog den
By nature, dogs are den animals. Creating a cosy nook taps into their instincts and allows them to experience the benefits of having a personal sanctuary.
Location is important. Think about where your pet naturally gravitates to when they’re at home and use this knowledge to choose an appropriate base. This might be the corner of the living room, under a staircase, or in the spare room. The key is to find a spot away from the main traffic of the road and away from any windows and doors so outside noise and light is muffled.
When we picture a safe space, comfort is one of the main elements we look for. The den has to be inviting enough for your pet to want to spend time there. A lot of pet owners use a crate as the foundation, mainly because it keeps everything in one place and is already designed for pet use. Homely additions such as blankets can be draped over the top to create a darker, more enclosed feeling and sense of security.
However, every pet is different, and your pet’s space might be under a table or part of a corner and still play an equally good role. Don’t get too caught up on the structure. As long as it’s cosy and filled with their comforts, it all serves the same purpose.
In order to encourage your dog to stay in there, stock the den with items they love. Favourite toys, nostalgic stuffed animals, engaging puzzles. These are all ways of adding positive distractions that should steer their attention away from the noise for a while.
Creating a cat hideaway
Cats on the other hand seek high or hidden places when they feel stressed and find a lot of value in security. Their ideal den therefore looks a little different from a dog’s, prioritising small, snug spaces.
Simple homeware items like a spot in the wardrobe (with the door ajar) or a cardboard box on its side make an ideal hideaway – and it’s likely you can provide these without much preparation. All that’s left to do is furnish it for feline comfort with a soft blanket or fleece that they enjoy. You needn’t bother buying new bedding because the familiar texture and smell of their current furnishings are the main sources of stress relief.
Where possible, place the hideaway in an elevated position on a sturdy shelf or a piece of cat furniture. Being up high feeds into that feeling of being in control, and therefore feeling safer. You can still give them toys or treats to keep them occupied whilst in the haven.
And remember, if your house has a cat flap, make sure it is securely locked to stop them bolting in fear.
You’re on den watch
Creating the physical space is the first step. Once you have the arrangement in place and your pet is comfortable with it, the next task is to manage the den’s impact based on their behaviour.
Don’t wait until bonfire night to set it up. By introducing it early, you’re allowing time for your pet to discover it on their own terms, so it’s not new to them when the time comes. Even though you’re leaving them to figure it out alone, you can intervene with treats and praise to help build a positive connection with the space.
On the evenings where you know fireworks are likely, shut all the windows and draw the curtains before they start. To help mask the noise from outside, you can play calming music or leave the TV on at a normal volume to create a homely atmosphere. This is especially important if your pet is going to be left alone for some of the night.
Although it’s normal to want to protect your pet, you mustn’t overdo it with fuss. Pets look to their owners for cues, and if they sense slightly abnormal or excessive behaviour, this can reinforce their fear. Act natural and remember that your calming presence is what brings the most reassurance for a nervous pet.
This one might sound obvious, but it still needs to be mentioned – keep your pet indoors during a firework display. Whilst they still need walking, it’s important you time it so it’s not in the middle of a skylit performance. Experiencing the loud noise and light explosions in open air will scare most pets.
Keeping calm with Johnsons
We have a range of calming products that you can introduce alongside the den to keep your pet relaxed and soothe their stresses further.
Johnson’s Calm-Eze Tablets are a natural dietary supplement that help soothe and calm anxious pets. Give the number of tablets recommended on the back of the packet twice daily, morning and evening, as a complementary feed. It is advisable to start giving the tablets several days before an event which is known to cause stress and anxiety.
These can be used in addition to our Calming Spray, which is designed for use around the home to calm nervous pets during stressful moments.
Combining a well-prepared den with calming products creates an area where pets feel safe, loved, and protected, no matter what’s happening outside.
Once firework season has finished, the den doesn’t have to be packed away. It has the same efficiency all year round, helping monitor nerves through separation anxiety, thunderstorms, vet trips, new people, or any other stressful event.
For more information on our calming products, visit our designated products page. If you have any other concerns and would like further advice on pet ownership during firework season, ask Lisa.
