Dog welfare expert urges precautions during fireworks

With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, animal welfare expert Tasha Lewis urged dog owners to take simple precautions to reduce stress and prevent harm from fireworks. Lewis, founder of the animal welfare organisation Living Things, said the loud, bright and odorous displays that accompany seasonal celebrations can be overwhelming for pets and advised practical steps to keep dogs calm and safe during the coming weeks.

Lewis explained that fireworks produce "loud and high-pitched sounds that can be frightening for our pets," noting that dogs hear at different frequencies from humans, which can make the noise feel more intense. Common signs that a dog is distressed by fireworks include hiding, shaking, loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, pacing and drooling. Left unmanaged, such stress can lead to injured or lost animals and may require veterinary or behavioural intervention.

Lewis recommended three core measures owners can take. First, create a calm, secure indoor space by surrounding dogs with familiar items such as bedding, toys and treats and keeping them in a quiet, closed room away from windows. Second, keep pets indoors during displays to reduce the risk of escape or...