Bangers, witches and chestnuts: how to help your dog if loud noises scare him

Halloween and the Castanyada, Catalonia's chestnut festival, bring costumes, doorbells and the odd firework. Practical tips so your dog gets through these days with as few frights as possible.

The end of October is a fun time for us: roast chestnuts, sweet potatoes, fancy dress and children ringing the doorbell. For many dogs, though, it can be a stressful week. Bangers, unexpected noises and faces in costume confuse them, and some have a genuinely awful time.

How to tell if your dog is scared

Not every dog shows it in the same way. Look out for these signs:

He trembles, pants or drools without having exercised.
He hides, seeks out corners or tries to squeeze under the furniture.
His tail is between his legs and his ears are pinned back.
He follows you everywhere and won't leave your side.
He tries to run away or starts barking non-stop.

Set up a safe den

Before the noise starts, set up a quiet corner in the most peaceful part of the house. His bed, a blanket to burrow under, water and a familiar toy. Some dogs feel very safe inside their carrier or a cave bed, with a blanket draped over the top.

Let him hide if he needs to, and don't drag him out of his den.

On the noisiest days

A long walk before dark, so he's tired and has done his business.
Always on the lead and with an up-to-date ID tag: a frightened dog can bolt.
Windows shut and blinds down to muffle the bangs and flashes.
Some music or the telly on in the background to mask the sounds outside.
If you're expecting visitors or trick-or-treaters, keep your dog in another room so he can't slip out of the door.

Your attitude counts too

Stay close, keep calm and act normally. If he seeks you out, you can quietly keep him company; what doesn't help is telling him off or forcing him to face the noise. And don't put him in fancy dress if you can see it bothers him.

And watch out for the festive treats: chocolate and many sweets are dangerous for dogs, so keep them well out of reach.

If your dog is very frightened of noises, talk to your vet well in advance. They can advise you on how to help him and, if they think it necessary, recommend working with a dog trainer.

At Petuki you'll find cave beds, blankets and carriers so your dog has his safe den ready for the noisiest days.