Relax with our Calming Pet Sounds station this firework season

We’ve put our best paw forward and teamed up with Dogs Trust to help you and your pet prepare for fireworks’ season by creating an entire radio station dedicated to calming your canine during Bonfire Night week.

Calming Pet Sounds will be available from Saturday 1st November for seven days on Rayo, playing soothing, gentle orchestral pieces, designed to calm pets - and comfort their owners - during noisy firework displays.

Plus, on Saturday, the 1st, Wednesday the 5th and Saturday the 8th of November, Darren Redick and Fran Godfrey bring you a show full of calming classical music allowing you to stay home, play it at a comfortable volume, and create a cosy space for your dog. You'll be able to download these from Rayo after too.

In addition to the Calming Pet Sounds station and our live shows, we’ll also be sharing a Calming Pet Sounds playlist on Rayo, available from Saturday 1st November.

Our Calming Pet Sounds station is available exclusively to all Rayo Premium subscribers. You can find it on the Rayo app, online and on your smart speaker. Rayo Premium lets you listen to live radio without ad breaks and access hundreds of exclusive stations.

If you're a new subscriber, you can get a three-month free trial using the code PETS25 when you sign up.

Listen to Calming Pet Sounds on Rayo.

According to Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey—the largest of its kind—45% of dog owners say their pets show signs of stress or discomfort when fireworks go off.

Hannah Harris, Behaviour Policy Manager at Dogs Trust, said: ‘Unfortunately, while they are enjoyable for many, the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be very overwhelming for dogs, often triggering signs of fear and anxiety. A calm and supportive environment, fostered by listening to the music that Calming Pet Sounds will be playing, can make a huge difference to how well a dog copes during this time of year.’

Staying in, closing the curtains, keeping calm and listening to distracting music may help make dogs feel better during fireworks, so our feel-good playlist is filled with songs to help soothe the whole family. The background noise can also help mask the sound of fireworks outside, but please remember to play it at a comfortable volume!

Dogs Trusts' top tips for calming your dog during fireworks

All dogs react differently to fireworks, so try to understand your dog’s individual way of coping and be ready to support them however you can. In the meantime, the experts over at Dogs Trust have pulled together some ideas that could help:

• Block out flashes and bangs by closing windows and curtains, and leaving the lights on.

• Put on music (like Magic’s Fireworks Playlist) or turn on the TV to help mask the noise.

• Let your dog take the lead; they might want to hide somewhere they feel safe, they might want lots of calming snuggles, or they might just want to be distracted by playing with their favourite toy.

• Try to stay calm and relaxed yourself, as your dog will pick up on how you’re feeling.

• Don’t try ignoring them – research shows that this won’t help and could make your dog feel even more anxious.

Visit the Dogs Trust website for more ideas about ways you can help your dog during fireworks.

Create a paw-some Doggy Den

You might want to think about setting up a safe space for your dog before fireworks start, where they can seek sanctuary from the noise. Here’s how to get started:

• Pick their favourite spot in the home or a room they enjoy or like to rest in

• Add cosy blankets, a comfy bed and familiar toys to make it feel snug and safe

• Encourage positive associations with the space by offering treats, long-lasting chews and their most loved toys

• Remind everyone in the household to let your dog rest undisturbed in their haven

Find out more about creating a safe space for your pup on the Dogs Trust website.

Common questions about dogs and fireworks, answered by the experts at Dogs Trust

How do I know if my dog’s scared of fireworks?

Here are some signs your dog might be feeling scared, anxious or stressed during fireworks:

• Whining or barking: your dog might voice their distress through whining, whimpering, barking, growling or crying.

• Clinginess: they might seek comfort by jumping up, staying close, or by trying to get your attention.

• Excessive panting or drooling: anxiety can lead to increased panting, drooling or lip-licking.

• Holding their tail down between their legs.

• Hiding: they might try to find a safe or secluded spot to hide, like under furniture or in a cupboard.

• Trying to escape: in extreme cases, your dog might attempt to escape to get away from the noise - make sure all exit routes are secured!

• Trembling or shaking: your dog may visibly shake or tremble when fireworks are going off.

• Pacing or restlessness: they may become agitated and constantly move around, unable to settle.

• Loss of appetite: fear can cause a loss of interest in food, so you might find they’re off their dinner.

• Dilated pupils: your dog’s eyes might appear wider than usual due to stress.

Should I see a vet about my dog’s reaction to fireworks?

If your dog shows signs of fear in response to fireworks or loud noises, speak to your vet as soon as possible. It’s important to let your vet know so they can check there are no related medical problems. They can also refer you to a behaviourist and give advice on additional treatments like medication.

Sometimes vets recommend medication for dogs which can be extremely useful for noise fear. It can help dogs cope during fireworks and stop their fear increasing each time.

How can I prepare for a dog-friendly fireworks’ season?

If you know when fireworks will be on in your area, plan for a cosy night in and stay with your dog, as they may seek your reassurance.

Don’t go out after dark, and make sure you’re settled inside well before any fireworks start. Never force your dog outside during fireworks.

Finally, check your house and garden are escape-proof. Your dog could try to run away if they’re scared so check your doors, windows and fences are secure! Make sure they’re always wearing a collar with a tag that has up-to-date contact details on it, and that their microchip details are also up-to-date in case they were to escape.