None of us want our dogs to be stressed – there is nothing worse than seeing them anxious and unhappy as they hide from a noise that they cannot control. The normal scenario for our dogs is to respond to noises that they can react to and this forms part of their routine such as the doorbell going where they bark happily to alert us and feel like they have played their role in protecting us from strangers at the family door.
When the noises are erratic and unexpected, there is no control and this results in extreme stress in our more sensitive dogs. Like many of us, our dogs are natural empaths with acutely sensitive reactions to loud noises, friction in the home, a change in routine. It is so important that we do not fuss them and stroke them when the fireworks and noise starts. (Yes I find it as hard as you do to ignore our little Ruff at this time)
They will sponge all our emotions as they normally do and react with even more anxiety if they pick up our stress through us constantly stroking and trying to reassure them. Far more helpful is to let them choose where to hide and allow them to find a safe den where they can deal with their own feelings of anxiety instead of taking on ours too.
Dr Marc Abrahams MBE (a wonderful advocate of plant-based feeding of our pets in the UK) gives us some advice in the video below on how to build a den.

Breta the ‘Wonderdog’ who survived cancer
Breta the Labrador is now way past all predictions of healthy survival with her cancer and she is still going strong!
Cymro the Corgi is Cured!
“Honestly, the last month has been bliss for him and us with no tummy upset and I thank you so much for that”
Vegan Vets continue to INSPIRE
Meet inspiring vegan vets Dr Sarah Dodd from Vivus Pets and Dr Lucy McKinna from Noochy Poochy
Transitioning from Bella & Duke to a vegan diet
Princess the ShihTzu transitioned from raw to a homemade vegan diet with spectacular results for her skin and overall health!
Lilabelle has a fish allergy
Lilabelle is a tiny teacup Maltese who has suffered from ulcerated ear canals due to an allergy to fish!
Why we should NOT be eating chickens
From the bioaccumulation of heavy metals when chicken are fed fishmeal; to the continued devastation of Avian Flu to people and wild birds…we should not be eating chickens
Why Just be Kind?
“There’s no such things as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end”
An enormously inspiring live webinar
“Be brave enough to live the life of your dreams according to your vision and purpose, instead of the expectations and opinions of others”
Stranded dolphins’ brains show signs of Alzheimer’s
More proof as to why we should NOT be eating fish or feeding it to our pets! Yet again, even more reason to only eat plant-based natural pure foods.
Latest Vegan Dog Food Published Studies Are Positive
“There was no overwhelming evidence of adverse effects arising from use of vegan pet food and there was some evidence of benefits”
Vet Students Learn About Sustainable Pet Food!
What a privilege to speak to vet students at Nottingham Vet School this week and teach them all about a topic that they knew nothing about
Rufus has stopped chewing his feet
“Solo Vegetal seemed to be the only food that controls his constant chewing and licking of his feet”