How to Make a Den for Your Pet

how to build a den for your pet

Fireworks season is just around the corner, which can often mean one thing for our pets: fear.

Bright lights, loud noises and large groups of people can all be triggers of anxiety and stress for cats and dogs.

We touched upon how you can plan, prepare and protect in our ‘How to Help Dogs and Cats Cope with Fireworks’ blog. As we move closer to peak fireworks season, we wanted to give you some top tips on making your pet their very own den. This can act as a safe haven where they feel comforted and secure.

How to Make a Den for Your Dog

  • Position the den away from the main room where you spend most of your time in the evening. This should be somewhere quiet where your pet can rest easily with few interruptions.
  • Ensure there is plenty of space for your pet to be able to move around, stand up and enter and leave the den freely. This is so that they do not feel confined or trapped.
  • Consider using an indoor dog crate or a table and chairs covered in blankets to help muffle any loud sounds. Make it snug by filling it with their favourite blankets, beds and toys to make it as cosy as possible.
  • Ensure your pet has access to clean drinking water so they do not need to leave their safe space if they feel thirsty.
  • Play some music or turn the TV on to help mask the sound of fireworks outside.
  • Giving your dog an interactive toy to play with inside their den is a great way to distract them from what is happening outside. The Kong Classic Toy is a fun chew toy that can also be filled with your dog’s favourite treats to keep them entertained for longer. Try adding some different treats and textures:

Kong Classic Dog Toy

Diffusers such as Adaptil and Feliway Optimum are great for constant support in the home and a welcome addition to the room where your dog’s den is positioned. They release pheromones which give dogs and cats a sense of security in stressful situations.

It’s recommended that the diffusers are plugged in two weeks prior to the event. Once in, they can last up to 4 weeks.

Remember, never force your pet into their new den. Ease them in gently so they know this is a space for comfort and positivity.

How to Make a Den for Your Cat

Cats can also feel anxious around fireworks. Just like dogs, they’ll appreciate somewhere they can hide away and feel safe.

Cats love to keep an eye on their surroundings, especially if they feel in danger. Creating a safe space somewhere up high will give them the sense of security they need to sleep. Alternatively, an ‘igloo’ type bed can make a great den, as it allows your cat to be hidden away.

Add some of their favourite cat-nip filled toys to their den and spray the area with the Feliway calming spray to help reduce anxiety.

If your pet has been previously scared by fireworks, consider combining the pheromone-based room diffusers with a calming supplement. Products like Zylkene can be easily sprinkled onto food.

If you’re very concerned about your pets behaviour, talk to your vet for further advice.

Calming products