Top Treats To Keep Your Dog Calm On Bonfire Night

What to Give Your Dog Around Fireworks

By: Georgina – Owner of Norbert’s Treats

Published: 19th October 2023 | Last Updated: October 2023

Verified by Experts. This article has been written and verified by natural dog treat specialists.

It’s a time for cozy gatherings round the bonfire, dazzling fireworks displays, and annoying trick or treaters. While we humans eagerly anticipate the festivities, many of our furry friends don’t share our enthusiasm for the loud bangs and whizzes around Bonfire Night.

Dogs can become anxious or stressed during fireworks displays, which is why it’s crucial to prepare in advance to keep them calm and comfortable.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best long lasting dog chews and treats to help your canine companion relax and enjoy Bonfire Night just as much as we do.

Ostrich Bones

Ostrich bones are a fantastic choice for keeping your dog calm during fireworks. They are long-lasting chews that can occupy your pup for hours.

Their natural, meaty flavor is irresistible to dogs, making them a great distraction from the loud noises. Ostrich bones also help with dental health, keeping your dog’s teeth strong while they enjoy their treat.

Product Suggestion: Large Ostrich Bone (£14)

Buffalo Horns

Buffalo horns are another excellent option to soothe your dog’s anxiety during fireworks.

The act of gnawing on a buffalo horn can be calming for dogs, providing them with a productive way to relieve stress. Plus, they are long-lasting, ensuring your dog stays occupied throughout Bonfire period.

Product Suggestion: Large Buffalo Horn (£7)

Yak Chews

Yak chews are a favourite among dog treat experts for their exceptional calming properties.

These chews are made from dried yak milk and despite their appearance, they are incredibly hard, ensuring they last a long time.

The taste and texture make them an ideal distraction for dogs on Bonfire Night.

Pop old yak chews in the microwave to revive them and extend their longevity!

Product Suggestion: Large Yak Chew (£10)

Tree Roots

Tree roots are a natural chew that not only promote calmness but also supports your dog’s dental hygiene.

They’re used mostly to stop dogs who love chewing from getting their teeth on things they’re not supposed to – like furniture and wires – so tree roots are bound to keep a chew-loving dog’s attention.

Their toughness ensures that your pup stays engaged, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

Product Suggestion: Large Chew Root (£13)

Lickimats

Lickimats are a fantastic enrichment toy designed to keep dogs calm during stressful situations like fireworks.

These mats are designed to hold your dog’s favorite treats, pate or raw food, and they work wonders in slowing down your dog’s eating process.

The repetitive licking action can have a soothing effect, similar to when a dog is cleaning itself or another dog.

Product suggestion: Any Lickimat!

Sodapup Honey Pots

Sodapup honey pots are another brilliant enrichment toy to consider for Bonfire Night.

They are designed to hold a variety of dog-friendly fillings like peanut butter or yogurt.

The challenge of getting to the tasty reward inside can be a calming and engaging activity for your pup, taking their mind off the fireworks.

Product Suggestion: Large Sodapup Honey Pot (£17)

Kong Chews

Kong chews are renowned for their durability and versatility.

They can be filled with a range of delectable pates or treats, making them an ideal choice to keep your dog occupied during fireworks.

The process of getting to the treats from a Kong chew can provide hours of entertainment while helping your pup stay calm.

Product suggestion: Any KONG!

Cheese-Stuffed Hooves

Dogs love cheese, and using it as a stuffing for durable hooves is an excellent strategy to keep them calm during fireworks.

The combination of the bone’s gnawing action and the delightful taste of cheese can be a perfect distraction.

Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for our furry friends.

By providing your dog with the right treats and chews, you can help them relax and enjoy the celebrations just as much as you do.

Product suggestion: Cheese Filled Cow Hoof (£2.50)

Keeping Your Dog Calm Around Fireworks

Bonfire Night doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for our four-legged companions. By providing your dog with the right treats and chews, you can help them relax and enjoy the celebrations just as much as we do.

Are Rabbit Ears Good for Dogs?

All you need to know about rabbit ears

By: Georgina – Owner of Norbert’s Treats

Published: 15th October 2023 | Last Updated: October 2023

Verified by Experts. This article has been written and verified by natural dog treat specialists.

So, are rabbit ears good for dogs?

Yes, absolutely! Rabbit ears: the munchy, scrunchy, chewable kind (and not an item from your cute pooch’s dressing-up box) are a highly nutritious, protein-rich treat for dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages.

Rabbit ear protein helps to maintain healthy muscles, hair, and skin and supports other bodily functions, keeping your dog in tip-top condition.

Rabbit treats and chews in general are a great choice for all kinds of dogs.

Are Rabbit Ears Safe for Dogs?

Rabbit ears are safe for puppies from eight weeks old and dogs up to the senior end of the spectrum.

They’re firm enough to make fantastic chews for puppies between three and five months yet soft enough to be gentle on mature gums.

Are Hairy Rabbit Ears Good for Dogs – and can they Eat the Fur?!

Yes, hairy rabbit ears are great for dogs. And, yes, they can eat the fur!

We know it seems strange at first. But letting your dog chomp on a hairy rabbit ear is a much closer experience to what they’d get in the wild than with an artificial chew toy.

Your dog won’t think twice about the hair, and neither should you. We’re yet to meet a canine customer that doesn’t love a rabbit ear!

If you can get past them being hairy, rabbit ears are better for your dog than a processed chew full of nasty ingredients. The entire rabbit ear is a healthy, digestible treat containing only cartilage, skin, and hair, as well as some good stuff like zinc, fibre and manganese (a trace mineral that your dog’s body needs to stay healthy).

Norbert’s Top Tip

Cut your rabbit ears into small strips for puppies and elderly dogs!

The Benefits of Rabbit Ears for Dogs

So, hairy rabbit ears are safe for dogs, but are you sold? Read on to learn about this unusual treat’s pros and cons and why you should consider them for your dog as one of many fantastic natural dog treats.

Rabbit Ears are a Natural Wormer

Rabbit ears are widely considered a natural wormer that complements medicinal wormers (which you should still use). Hair is a fibre that’s not easily digested, so it ‘brushes’ through your dog’s intestines, taking any nasty parasites, such as worms, with it.

If you see hair in your dog’s poo after they’ve eaten a rabbit ear, don’t panic! It’s completely normal, and you’ll know the rabbit ear has successfully passed through your dog’s system.

How Many Rabbit Ears Does It Take to Worm a Dog?

As we mentioned, rabbit ears are not a substitute for medicinal dewormers. So, you can supplement your worming programme with rabbit ears anytime.

They’re safe for puppies, elderly dogs, and every dog in between.

Adult dogs like to eat rabbit ears whole (you may need to keep an eye on gobblers – we’re looking at you, Labradors!), or you may want to cut them into 1-inch strips for puppies.

Rabbit Ears for Dogs with Allergies

You may have heard that rabbit ears are hypoallergenic. While this is not strictly true, (hypoallergenic is a marketing term), they’re an excellent option for dogs with food allergies.

Rabbit ears are a novel protein rare or new to your dog’s diet. By introducing rabbit ears, you’re replacing common allergens and reducing the risk of an allergy flare-up.

Rabbit ears are also low fat (check the pack information as fat content varies) and easy to digest.

Rabbit Ears Clean your Dog’s Teeth

All natural chews are mild to moderately abrasive, making rabbit ears a brilliant natural plaque remover for dogs!

Allowing your dog to munch regularly on rabbit ears or other natural dog chews reduces the need for a scale and polish (which, let’s face it, no dog likes!)

Or even worse, kidney issues caused by poor dental hygiene.

As if those benefits aren’t enough, chewing is scientifically proven to help your dog relax and feel less anxious by releasing ‘happy hormones’ known as endorphins.

Rabbit Ears Help with Digestion

Certain high-energy breeds, such as greyhounds, have super-speedy metabolisms, which can result in loose stools. The fur in hairy rabbit ears binds with undigested food, firming up stools and leaving the intestines free to absorb more nutrients.

Feeding a dog with loose stools rabbit ears two to three times per week (or more if it suits their metabolism) could help regulate their poo, making daily dog walks simpler for both of you.

Dogs Love Chewing Rabbit Ears

If none of the reasons above convince you, why not let your dog be the judge? Dogs LOVE chewing rabbit ears.

While the fur may do nothing for you (!), it satisfies your dog’s prey drive, tapping into their natural hunting instincts. And who doesn’t love to see their dog happy?

How Many Times a Week Can My Dog Have Rabbit Ears?

Some experts suggest feeding up to three per week to avoid the risk of compaction (constipation), but ultimately, it’s down to you and your dog to know what’s right for them.

They’re safe to feed your dog daily, but we recommend introducing them gradually and adjusting the amount you add to your dog’s diet according to their needs.

We put various treat boxes together and will happily discuss your specific requirements.

Are Rabbit Ears Good for Puppies and Small Dogs?

Yes. Rabbit ears are good for puppies and small dogs, down to the smallest chihuahuas!

It’s worth noting that the quality of ears does vary. Most rabbit ears sold in the UK are a byproduct of the European meat industry, where welfare standards are higher than China (the world’s largest producer of rabbit meat).

You can check with your supplier if you’d like to know the origin of your rabbit ears and make sure you get the best quality ears for your dog.

In case you were wondering, Norbert’s Natural Dog Treats rabbit ears are sourced from Europe.

What Age Can Dogs Have Rabbit Ears with Fur?

You can feed rabbit ears to puppies from 8 weeks old, and they’re particularly popular with teething puppies; the gnawing helps to alleviate gum irritation.

Do Vets Recommend Rabbit Ears for Dogs?

Vets generally favour rabbit ears as a healthy alternative to less natural chews.

Rabbit ears, enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, offer many health benefits such as improved digestion and reduced anxiety, with less risk of allergic reactions.

Rabbit ears are soft enough to pass through a dog’s digestive system efficiently, and vets acknowledge that they’re not just a novel protein but a novel treat!

Risks of Giving Dogs Rabbit Ears

Regurgitation

If your dog doesn’t chew the ear properly (usually because they’re so eager to bolt the whole thing down!), there’s a chance they’ll regurgitate it.

To prevent this from happening with dogs new to rabbit ears, cut the ear into 1-inch pieces and feed slowly, one piece at a time.

They’ll soon get used to savouring their tasty rabbit treats.

Elderly dogs may struggle to chew them

Elderly dogs may also thank you for cutting the ears into small pieces, allowing them to enjoy all the health benefits without choking on large amounts they can’t chew properly.

Sharp scissors are convenient for cutting up rabbits’ ears – and don’t worry about storage. Air-dried rabbits’ ears keep for up to 18 months in an airtight container. We doubt they’ll last that long!

Convinced? Let your dog try some rabbit ears!

If you’ve gotten this far, you’ll understand that rabbit ears are a great addition to your dog’s diet, giving plenty of health benefits in a fun way.

We get that rabbit ears, especially their hairiness, takes a little getting used to for us humans. But remember, it’s no big deal for your dog. If you’re still undecided, why not let your dog decide by ordering a four-pack of rabbit ears with hair? We know they’ll love them (and you for ordering!) and it won’t be long before you’re bulk buying our 500g rabbit ear pack.

Oh, and it’s not just rabbit ears that come with the fur – rabbit feet for dogs do as well!

Check out our natural rabbit ears if you’re still unsure about the fur.

But, if you’re totally sold, get ready to dive into our natural dog treat subscription boxes for more healthy, natural treats each month.