Firework-Free Holiday Parks: Keeping your Dog Calm around Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is just around the corner, and as the nights get darker, some people are already beginning to celebrate.

For dog owners, this time of year can be stressful. According to Dogs Trust, almost half of dogs in the UK have displayed signs of distress in response to loud noises. With every bang, pop, and fizz of a firework, many of our beloved pooches experience anxiety.

There are plenty of ways you can help to keep your dog calm at home around Bonfire Night. These include:

• Keeping your dog inside when it gets dark.
• Closing all doors and curtains to block out flashes of light.
• Drowning out the noise. Did you know what Classic FM host a radio station at this time of year called Pet Classics? It’s designed especially to help keep dogs calm during firework season.
• Comforting your dog – your pooch may cling to you more than usual when they’re frightened. Experts advise that gently comforting your dog will help to keep their anxiety from escalating further.
• Being patient with your dog – upon hearing loud noises, many dogs might resort to hiding. If they feel safe in a certain space, allow them time to calm down.
• Distracting them – whether it’s playing with toys, feeding them treats, or doing some training, there are plenty of ways to keep their mind off the fireworks.

These are all great ways to help your dog cope with the stress of firework season. But, for some pet owners, the best solution is to avoid the fireworks completely. Getting away for a pet-friendly Verdant Leisure holiday this season also means you can bring a pet along for FREE!* Make sure you book before 31^st October using the code ‘PAWS’ to make the most of this offer.

So, why book a holiday around Bonfire Night?

1. Enjoy the peace and quiet

You can do all the preparation in the world, and still not know when to expect fireworks. Many people celebrate not just on Bonfire Night itself, but on the nights before and after it. Getting away to a firework-free location during this period means you can have a little bit more peace of mind that your pet won’t feel so anxious.

Of course, pet-friendly holidays aren’t just about the pets. Everyone needs to escape for some R&R every so often, and if you’re a fan of quiet, laidback retreats, the off-peak season is a great time to book. What’s more, they say that dogs can read their owner’s emotions – therefore, if you're relaxed, then your dog is more likely to be relaxed, too.

Did you know? Verdant Leisure do not allow fireworks at any of our parks, meaning you can rest assured there will be no loud bangs disturbing the peace during your stay.

2. A welcome distraction

Maybe your dog has already displayed signs of anxiety, and you’re looking to take their mind off the situation. Getting away to a new place provides a nice reset, with exciting new surroundings to explore, and brand-new walking routes to traverse. Prepare for ultimate ‘zoomies’ and excitement from your four-legged friend!

As an extra treat, why not buy a new toy for your pooch? You might even choose to get one while you’re on holiday as a souvenir from your stay.

3. Quality time together

If you really think about it, you are the centre of your dog’s world. There’s nothing that makes pets happier than spending time with their beloved owners. Getting away on holiday with them means you can put all your usual responsibilities on pause and give your pooch all the attention in the world. After all, they are part of the family.

Plus, if your dog has already displayed signs of anxiety, they’ll want to be around you for comfort even more. Having extra time together when you’re not at work or busy with home life can help to calm down your pet.

Did you know? We don’t just accept dogs in our pet-friendly accommodation at Verdant Leisure parks. Bring along your cat, rabbit, hamster, or goldfish, too!

4. Avoid the crowds

Bonfire Night is a busy night for many, with local events attracting large crowds full of eager families gathering to watch the fireworks. For those trying to enjoy a quiet night, this can prove to be quite a problem, especially if your dog isn't a fan of crowds.

Luckily for us, Verdant Leisure holiday parks do not host any firework events, so it's highly unlikely you'll encounter large crowds on our parks during this season. What's more, November falls within school term time, meaning it's the perfect opportunity for a quiet off-peak break with your pooch.