Bonfire Night is a beloved annual tradition in many parts of the world, marked by dazzling fireworks and festive gatherings.

Whilst celebrated as a night of excitement for humans, it can be incredibly stressful for our furry friends, particularly dogs. The loud bangs and bright flashes can trigger anxiety and fear in dogs, leaving them in a state of distress. Thankfully, there's a simple and effective aid to help muffle the sound of fireworks for your dog - the snood.

What is a Snood?

A snood, in the context of dog care, is a soft and stretchable head covering that wraps around your dog's ears and neck, much like a combination of a scarf and hood. While snoods are commonly used for keeping dogs warm in colder weather, they can also serve as an invaluable tool in mitigating the stress caused by fireworks and loud noises.

The Science of Sound

To understand how snoods can help, it's essential to delve into the science of sound and dog behaviour. Dogs have a much sharper sense of hearing than humans, which makes fireworks exceptionally distressing for them. The loud explosions and high-pitched noises can cause panic and anxiety.

A dog's ear structure amplifies sound, and they can hear sounds at frequencies as high as 65,000 Hz, compared to humans who typically hear up to 20,000 Hz. So, the booms and crackles of fireworks are not only louder but also far more unsettling to our canine companions.

How Snoods Work

• Sound Dampening Snoods work by reducing the intensity of sound that reaches your dog's sensitive ears. The fabric of the snood serves as a buffer, absorbing and dampening the sound waves from the fireworks. This can help create a calmer and less anxiety-inducing auditory environment for your dog.

• Pressure and Comfort Snoods can also provide a comforting, pressure-like effect similar to swaddling or the use of a thunder shirt. The gentle pressure around the head and neck helps dogs feel more secure, like a cozy hug, which can have a calming effect during the fireworks display.

• Distraction Snoods can double as a distraction tool by offering your dog a new sensation. They may be curious about the snood at first, and this curiosity can shift their focus away from the frightening noises outside.

• Affordability and Convenience Snoods are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. They are available in various sizes and designs, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for your furry friend.

Bonfire Night can be a challenging time for your dog, however, the simple addition of a snood can make a significant difference in alleviating your pet's stress and anxiety. By reducing the intensity of sound and offering a sense of comfort, snoods provide a practical and affordable solution to help your dog remain calm during this annual celebration.

Remember that while snoods can be a helpful tool, they should be used in combination with other strategies to ensure your dog's well-being during firework displays. This might include providing a safe and quiet space for your dog to retreat to, playing white noise sounds or classical music through a speaker, or making your dog a comfortable den where they can retreat to safety.

Although we are not experts on this matter we have found that our border collie, Lola, finds a snood paired with a light throw and some classical music helps her navigate a night of bangs, snaps and crackles much more effectively. We also always ensure all the windows are closed and curtains drawn - it's our duty to keep our dogs safe!

We also recommend consulting with a veterinarian for additional advice on managing your dog's anxiety. With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your dog has a more peaceful and enjoyable Bonfire Night.

Shop our collection of Wildbarc snoods here