Podcast #14: Trick or treat: can training and food help pets through Halloween and firework night?

Written by Napo HQ
28th Oct 2022
20 mins listen
This week on
The Pet Perspective
, we’re going to be talking about autumn’s big holidays, Halloween and Bonfire Night, and how you can prepare your pet for the noise and activity they bring.
We’re joined by clinical animal behaviourist
Katie Scott-Dyer
, who tells us all about why the autumn holidays can seem scary to our pets, and how you can teach them to cope with stressful situations from door knocking, to fireworks, and prevent fear from forming.
This is the first of a special two-parter, and next week we’ll be hosting an episode all about Bonfire Night, and what you can do at short-notice to help keep your pet calm.

This episode of The Pet Perspective covers:

  • What makes Halloween and Firework Night so scary for dogs and cats
  • How to get your dog used to door knocking (without woofing!)
  • Helping young pets so they don’t develop noise phobias
  • Is it possible to teach older pets not to be afraid of fireworks?

Episode highlights

03:03 - Katie Scott-Dyer

"They don’t know what it is behind the door, why that door’s being banged more, because there’s trick-or-treaters there or whatever. Especially if they get to the door and the human’s opening the door and there’s all these scary people making scary noises, and it can freak them out."

04:08 - Katie Scott-Dyer

'There’s a little process called counterconditioning. It’s basically adding something in pleasant to that situation to try and help them reframe what they feel about it. It is very individual. You can do this with cats and dogs.'

09:53 - Katie Scott-Dyer

'So we want to do what we can to minimise them feeling scared about it. So either no exposure initially. Gradually introduce them to it over the coming weeks and months towards next time, and the humans in the house start wearing something different as they go about their business."

11:22 - Katie Scott-Dyer

"This time of year my cases increase for firework phobias and things. It’s scary for them, it’s unpredictable for them in the environment. It’s possibly the end of the world, in their opinion."

15:18 - Katie Scott-Dyer

'If it’s gonna be this year, you don’t haven’t got time to make them feel better. It’s going to be triaging basically. Vets is the first thing. Get them to the vets, ask about what they can do to help get through the worst of it, if necessary."

16:32 - Katie Scott-Dyer

"From a welfare perspective, getting that help sooner rather than later is going to be better for the animal and for you. Because the longer it goes on, the harder it gets."

19:32 - Katie Scott-Dyer

"Quite often, in cases where they’ve got noise sensitivities - about 82% I think is the right number - have got an underlying clinical cause that's causing the anxiety. So it’s always better to seek advice first before trying to do everything yourself."

Jump to

Live your best long weekend life with your pets
Live your best long weekend life with your pets
It's springtime in the UK which means long weekends, glorious BBQs, and Easter egg hunts.
Here's how to keep your pets safe at parties where there are heaping dishes of food, new sights and smells to discover, and potential hazards.
Napo Lifetime Plus for dogs and cats comes with free 24/7 vet video calls, so you have peace of mind when you're out and about with your pet.
Blog
Easter egg hunt games to play with your pets
Easter egg hunt games to play with your pets
So-called 'dog/cat-safe chocolate' may be safe, but it's not so healthy for them. 
Our Easter treat for all of you: three brilliant ways you can incorporate an Easter egg hunt theme into games with your pets, that boost your bond and help you spend some relaxing time outdoors together this long weekend.
Napo Lifetime Plus for dogs and cats comes with free 24/7 vet video calls, so you have peace of mind year-round.
Blog
Why pet insurance prices hit record highs in 2024
Why pet insurance prices hit record highs in 2024
We break down rising costs and what they mean for you. If you felt your wallet wince looking at pet insurance prices, you’re not alone. In 2024, insurance premiums hit an all-time high, leaving pet parents scratching their heads (and their pups) wondering: Why’s it so pricey? Spoiler alert: it’s not just you. So, what’s really going on? Why is this happening? And most importantly, how can you make sure your furry pal gets the care they deserve without cutting back on their squeaky toy budget?
Blog