How To Keep Your Bull Terrier Safe During Fireworks

lthough fireworks can be entertaining for humans, they're mostly a complete nightmare for dogs, especially Bull Terriers. Whether it's New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, or any other celebration involving fireworks, many Bull Terrier owners find themselves dealing with barking, howling, and generally nervous Bull Terriers during these loud and bright displays.

In this post, we are sharing some top tips for helping you keep your Bull Terrier calm when the skies light up and go boom. These tips can make a significant difference in ensuring your furry friend feels safe and secure during firework festivities.

Bull Terriers are part of the family and deserve the very best. The good news is that there are easy steps you can take to keep your Bull Terrier safe during fireworks. 

Don’t let your Bull Terrier near fireworks 

The loud noise of the fireworks might scare your Bull Terrier and they may become overly stressed out. You must ensure that your Bull Terrier is safe and away from the fireworks. Your Bull Terrier's fragile fur can easily catch fire if it gets too close to a flame. 

Keeping your Bull Terrier inside on the evening in question is the best idea, especially if you fear they might not react well. Fireworks and sparklers have toxic ingredients in them. You should be mindful of where they are stored. You don’t want your Bull Terrier to be sniffing around these chemicals! Loud noise from fireworks can cause hearing loss in Bull Terrier puppies if they are too close when they explode.

Make sure your Bull Terrier has the proper ID

In the event that your Bull Terrier runs away out of fear of the fireworks, make sure their collars and microchips are up to date.

No matter where you're keeping your Bull Terrier, make sure their ID collar is on and updated. If you'll be outside with your Bull Terrier, keep them on the leash and be prepared for sudden attempts to run and escape. Write your name, permanent address, and contact number. 

One of the most important tasks is to update your Bull Terrier's microchip. You need to update your microchip information with your current contact info and address. In case your Bull Terrier gets lost, this information will help you to reunite with your furry family member.

Create a safe haven for your Bull Terrier

Create a place where your Bull Terrier will feel safe and comfortable. All dogs are den animals and they look for that cave to get away from it all. Try setting up a safe area in a quiet space away from windows. 

Use a crate if that’s where your Bull Terrier feels safe, and make sure to provide your Bull Terrier with familiar toys and treats. You can add an extra level of security by padding the space with your Bull Terrier favorite toys, a dog bed, and a soft blanket.

Give them plenty of daytime exercise

Bull Terriers need exercise and playtime to release their pent-up energy. With excess energy, they might develop anxiety symptoms and other behavior issues. Some Bull Terriers even become destructive and bite their way to escape.

Try taking your Bull Terrier out for some physical activities. If you are fortunate, they may become too tired to care about fireworks.

Distract your Bull Terrier with soothing music or TV noise

It’s impossible to drown out the sound of fireworks for Bull Terriers, with their keen hearing, but introducing other noises can help soothe or distract them. Use noises that are constant or familiar to your Bull Terrier. You can try leaving the TV or radio on to help mask the sounds of the fireworks.

Make sure all the windows and doors are closed as your Bull Terrier's acute sense of smell can pick up the sulfurous odor lingering in the night air. It’s not only the sound of fireworks that can cause distress for Bull Terriers, it’s also the light and flashes across the sky. If fireworks are visible from a window, it’s a good idea to close the curtains so your Bull Terrier can’t see the explosions of light in the sky.

Make sure your home and garden are escape-proof

Make sure all doors and windows of your home are closed firmly. If possible, make sure your Bull Terrier doesn’t have access to doors that lead outside, especially when people are entering or leaving the house. Secure any escape routes in your backyard and garden, just in case. Also, make sure everyone in the house knows they need to be quick opening and closing external doors.

Have treats on hand as a distraction

When in doubt, turn to food. Some canines will lose their appetite altogether when they’re nervous and anxious, but some find it too hard to resist a tantalizing treat. Use treats to help your Bull Terrier form positive associations.

Treats, bones, and chew toys can also serve as a distraction tactic. Have it on hand to try to distract your Bull Terriers and keep them busy while the firework display is going on. You could also try stuffing a puzzle toy with layers of food to keep your dog occupied.

Use calming supplements

You can try calming remedies to make your anxious dog feel relaxed. Lavender oil and CBD oil are among the most prominent remedies for natural dog stress relief. For serious cases, the vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medications designed for dogs. Remember that medication and supplements should always be a last resort and only be used for Bull Terriers with severe anxiety.

Bull Terriers are adorable bundles of energy and are always full of fun, life, and love. They are not very fond of fireworks, loud music, and big crowds. For them, it can be a confusing and stressful time of the year. You should make some efforts to keep your Bull Terriers calm and relaxed.

Your pet would probably prefer to stay home where they feel secure until the festivities have ended. They don't want to accompany you to the local park to view the fireworks extravaganza. Just be mindful of your Bull Terrier’s safety, enjoyment, and comfort. 

Do you have any more tips and ideas to celebrate New Year's eve while keeping your Bull Terrier safe during fireworks? Let us know in the comments. We would be happy to hear from you!

Happy New Year!