Our November Newsletter: Staying Safe & Having Fun This Bonfire Night
Dear Wag Club Family,
Welcome to November! As the leaves continue to fall across North London and the evenings draw in, we wanted to share some important information about keeping your dogs safe and happy this month, particularly with Bonfire Night approaching.
Bonfire Night Is Coming: How to Keep Your Dog Calm
November 5th and the surrounding days can be incredibly stressful for our four-legged friends. At The Wag Club, we know how much many of you worry about your dogs during fireworks season, so we've put together our top tips to help everyone get through it safely.
Signs Your Dog May Be Anxious About Fireworks
Keep an eye out for:
Trembling or excessive panting
Trying to hide or escape
Pacing and restlessness
Excessive barking or whining
Loss of appetite
Toileting indoors despite being house-trained
Our Top Bonfire Night Safety Tips
Create a Safe Haven
Set up a cosy, secure space in your home where your dog can retreat:
Choose a quiet room away from windows
Include their favourite bed and blankets
Add some of your worn clothing for comfort
Close curtains to muffle sounds and block flashes
Play calming music or white noise
Walk Earlier in the Day
Take your dog out during daylight hours before fireworks start
Keep them on lead at all times during fireworks season, even in familiar areas
A well-exercised dog is often a calmer dog
Make sure ID tags and microchip details are up to date
Stay Calm and Carry On
Your dog picks up on your emotions, so try to stay relaxed
Act normally and stick to usual routines
Provide comfort if they seek it, but don't over-fuss
Never punish fearful behaviour
Offer distractions like long-lasting chews or puzzle toys
Consider Extra Support
If your dog struggles significantly with firework anxiety:
Speak to your vet about calming products or medication
Try natural calming aids like Adaptil diffusers
ThunderShirts or anxiety wraps can help some dogs
Plan ahead for next year with desensitisation training
Dog Daycare During Fireworks Season
Many of our clients find that bringing their dogs to daycare during early November really helps. Your dog gets:
Exercise and stimulation during safe daylight hours
Professional supervision if fireworks start unexpectedly
Distraction through play and socialisation
A calmer, more tired dog to bring home in the evening
If you'd like to book extra days around Bonfire Night, please get in touch with us.
Making the Most of Autumn in North London
Despite the challenges of fireworks season, November can be absolutely beautiful for dog walks across North London!
Our Favourite Autumn Walks
The autumn colours are stunning right now at:
Alexandra Palace Park - gorgeous views and crunchy leaves
Hampstead Heath - woodland walks among autumn foliage
Waterlow Park - peaceful paths perfect for calmer dogs
Cherry Tree Wood - a hidden gem for autumn strolls
November Walking Safety
With darker evenings now upon us, remember to:
Use LED collars and leads for visibility
Wear reflective clothing
Choose well-lit routes
Watch out for seasonal hazards like conkers, acorns, and mushrooms
Be extra cautious near wet, slippery leaves
What's Happening at The Wag Club This November
Across all our North London locations: Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, Golders Green, and West Hampstead, we're keeping things fun and cosy this month.
Extra Firework Support
Throughout early November, our team will be providing extra comfort and reassurance for any dogs who seem anxious. We're here to help your furry friends feel safe and secure during what can be a stressful time.
Cosy Indoor Play
As the weather gets colder and wetter, we're making sure all our indoor play areas are warm, comfortable, and packed with engaging activities to keep tails wagging even on the greyest November days.
Muddy Paw Stations
November means mud! We've got our paw-cleaning stations ready and waiting for those particularly adventurous pups who can't resist a good puddle.
Health Reminders for November
Keep Vaccinations Current
As we head towards winter and dogs spend more time indoors together, it's important to ensure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, particularly for kennel cough.
Watch for Seasonal Illnesses
Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms, particularly after muddy walks. Always rinse your dog's legs and paws after walks in wet, muddy conditions.
Joint Care in Colder Weather
If your dog is older or has arthritis, they may need extra support as temperatures drop. Speak to your vet about joint supplements and consider shorter, more frequent walks.
Looking Ahead to December
We can hardly believe we're already thinking about December, but Christmas will be here before we know it! If you're planning any festive celebrations, family visits, or time away, now is a great time to book dog daycare or arrange your dog's care schedule.
We'll have lots of festive fun planned for December across all our locations, so watch this space for more details!
A Note of Thanks
As always, we're incredibly grateful to be part of your dog's life and to have your trust in caring for your beloved companions. Seeing the relationships we've built with both you and your dogs across our Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, Golders Green, and West Hampstead locations truly makes what we do so rewarding.
If you have any questions about Bonfire Night, want to book additional days this November, or just want to chat about your dog's care, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Stay Safe This Bonfire Night
Remember, if you're concerned about your dog's anxiety levels or need any advice, we're always here to help. Together, we can make sure this Bonfire Night is as calm and stress-free as possible for your furry family member.
Wishing you and your dogs a safe, peaceful, and happy November!
Warm woofs,
Jamie and The Wag Club Team
The Wag Club Dog Daycare
Locations across North London:
Alexandra Palace | Golders Green | Muswell Hill | West Hampstead
Book your dog's November daycare today
Contact us to arrange additional days during fireworks season or to discuss your dog's individual needs.