The owner of a guide dog in Edinburgh has spoken of their apprehension and anxiety as Guy Fawkes night approaches this weekend.
Elaine MacKenzie, who relies on her guide dog Tessy to lead an independent life, says that she fears that with the pandemic in the rear view mirror, firework displays may become more commonplace.
She stated that Tessy has been relatively calm when she has heard loud bangs on November 5 but says that her previous dog, Una, became terrified of fireworks after someone let one off under a bridge whilst she was on a walk at the Water of Leith.
Elaine now worries that a similar incident may lead to Tessy becoming spooked and says that if she were to become anxious around fireworks, then it would limit her ability to to be able to live her life come firework season.
She said: “For a guide dog owner like myself, coming up to November 5, we have to plan and try to find quiet spells but it is so difficult as they can go off at any time. I know lots of guide dog owners who are really anxious about it.
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“I got Tessy from Guide Dogs in 2019, so thankfully she hasn’t been greatly affected by fireworks yet but I’m concerned that things are getting back to normal now and fireworks may become more frequent. About four years ago, with my previous guide dog Una, my husband had taken her out when it was all quiet. Down at the water in Leith, someone decided it would be fun to set off a firework right underneath a bridge that Una was close to.
“It was so bad that my husband had to pick her up and carry her home. After that, if we were out, if there was a loud bang Una would want to go home, which curtailed my ability to go out and restricted my independence.
“Una became a nervous wreck at the sound of fireworks after that and would shake and cower at loud bangs. The impact fireworks can have on my partnership with Tessy worries me, but also the impact they have on other partnerships and guide dog puppies potentially being traumatised by them.”
Elaine has shared her story as part of the new charity partnership between Scotmid and Guide Dogs and to help raise awareness of the issues faced by guide dog owners around Guy Fawkes. Scotmid and Guide Dogs have collaborated together to offer advice on how those being impacted by fireworks can help to keep their furry friends calm.
David Grice, head of canine training and behaviour at Guide Dogs, has worked with dogs for over 30 years and has shared tips for helping to look after dogs. He said: “Step one is to know if your dog is stressed. There are a number of warning signs to indicate that your dog fears fireworks, but every dog is different, and they show anxiety in their own way.
“Owners should look out for whether their dog is trembling, shaking or hiding, but behaviours such as restlessness, destructiveness or attention-seeking can also signify anxiety.
“Step two is to reduce the shock of fireworks. On the days leading up to Guy Fawkes Night, try to prepare your dog by slowly introducing loud noises to help them get used to the sound of fireworks. Set the TV or radio louder than usual and gradually increase the sound levels in the lead up to the night. There are also soundtracks and playlists online so you can play firework sounds quietly in the background whilst playing with a toy.
“Owners can also purchase plug-in adaptors, such as Adaptil, which release pheromones that can help to relax your dog – this is a handy device and can be plugged in the week prior to Guy Fawkes Night to allow the pheromones to spread around the house. Finally, find out if neighbours are planning to set off fireworks to know if fireworks are going to be nearby. Owners can also find information about nearby public displays online or on social media.
“If several firework displays are expected nearby, owners might want to see if a friend or relative would like a four-legged visitor for the night.
“Step three is to help your dog feel safe on the day. On Guy Fawkes Night, owners should make sure their dog has a good walk before dark, so they are tired and relaxed for the evening. They should also feed their pup earlier than normal, so they can relieve themselves before the fireworks start.
"Remember it is not just the sound that can upset dogs - the flashing lights and smell of burning can also cause problems. Try distracting your dog from the flashes of light by closing all the curtains and even giving your dog a chew to divert their attention during the night.
"Try to create a quiet, dark den for dogs as this can help hide them from the flashes and loud noises caused by the fireworks. If the dog already has a puppy crate, cover it with a blanket or perhaps create a den underneath a table.
"A dog may choose to hide if they are stressed from the loud noises, but if he or she comes to you for comfort, ensure that you give it to them. Ignoring your dog may make things worse as this might confuse them.
“The final step is to support your dog once fireworks have stopped. There is often attention on how to help dogs during fireworks, but how we support them afterwards is just as important. Allow your pup to leave its hiding place as soon as it feels safe and ready and be prepared that your dog may have an accident overnight as it may be too scared to relieve itself.
“It helps to act as if nothing has happened – try not to make a fuss of the fireworks ending. If your pup is worried about going out into the garden or for a walk the next day, use treats to reward them for going out to rebuild a positive association. Owners may want to keep their dog on a lead when walking for a few days afterwards too.”
If anyone would like further information on how to look after their Guide Dogs, please visit the charity’s website here.
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