Dogs Trust launches supports for distressed animals ahead of Halloween

For many, the spooky season is a time for fun, trick-or-treating, and dressing up in our scariest costumes, but for our four-legged friends, this time of year can be incredibly difficult.

A study from earlier this year found that 49% of Irish dog owners struggle to keep their dogs calm when fireworks can be heard. A lot of dogs find the sound and sight of fireworks deeply distressing; this can lead to some behaviours like pacing, barking, whining, panting and hiding.

To try and help our furry companions, Dogs Trust Ireland has launched the Sound Blanket, a collection of specifically designed sounds that aims to mask the sounds of fireworks. These can be found on Spotify and YouTube.

Testing carried out by the charity shows that 99% of dogs tolerated the Sound Blanket and did not show any adverse reactions. However, Dogs Trust say that while most dogs tolerate the Sound Blanket, it may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to music or radio.

Paulina Padlo, Communications Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said: “If your dog is frightened by fireworks, watching them tremble with fear and feeling helpless to reassure them can be heartbreaking.

“We wanted to help owners feel more in control during fireworks season by showing them that there are lots of ways to support their dogs. Creating a safe, cosy space at home, closing curtains and windows, and offering enrichment activities can all help. Now, owners can also try our free Sound Blanket as another way to help their dogs feel more comfortable.”