Could ASMR and aromatherapy ease your pet’s NYE firework stresses?

By Natasha James, 31 Dec 2019

Every year, the RSPCA is inundated with calls from worried owners about pets suffering from stress and anxiety related to fireworks. 411 calls were made during the 10-minute firework display on NYE 2018.

It can be hard to know how best to help a pooch who’s particularly nervous and this year, owners are thinking of doing things a little differently. It seems that ASMR and aromatherapy could be the answer and the methods are being encouraged by doggie professionals everywhere.

Battersea Cats and Dogs Home

Battersea, the most well-known pet rehoming centre uses a number of methods to keep their animals calm and happy. On aromatherapy, they said:

“Aromatherapy sprays can work well for both dogs and cats – just spray a little bit on materials in the home or as a plug-in spray.” 

A doggie ASMR service

Doggie subscription service, Snacks at Franks, is trying something more unusual still, they offer an ASMR video series for dogs. ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a natural response triggered by soothing sounds.

If you’re worried about your furry friend this NYE then as well as aromatherapy and ASMR, you could try the following methods as recommended by Battersea Dogs and Cats home:

1. Provide a place to hide

Make sure your pooch has somewhere to go that will help them to feel safe. A chair with a blanket over it could do the trick if you’re short of options.

2. Play classical music

Play soothing music to drown out some of the noise outside.

3. Close the curtains

The flashing lights in addition to loud bangs can make fireworks particularly stressful for pets, block out the light to ease some of their worry.

For more information on how to keep your pets safe this New Year’s Eve, check out our detailed advice article. Good luck with your pets this eve, we hope they have a stress-free evening and all that’s left to say is, we wish you a very Happy New Year!