FIREWORKS
How to keep your pet safe and happy during fireworks season.
Fireworks can be very scary for your pets and during the most popular times for firework displays such as November it is important to prepare for supporting your animal through this. Although it is very common that animals will show signs of fear this doesn’t mean you can’t help to change this.
Dogs
Did you know that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks? Here are some ways to prevent this;
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Avoid walking your dog at dark night hours where it is more likely fireworks will be displayed
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Close your windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks
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Put on the TV or radio to create noise which will drown out the sound of the fireworks
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Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day to prevent them from being too alert
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Stay calm, act normal and give lots of praise for calm behaviour unless they prefer to hide away
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Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control
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Create some hiding places around your home where your dog can hide away
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There are sound therapy recordings available to download that teach your dog to become less fearful of loud noises.
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Avoid leaving your dog alone during fireworks
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There are various therapies available to help calm your pet such as diffusers, collars and supplements
Cats
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Provide hiding places in your home for your cats to hide
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Keep your cats indoors during fireworks
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Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside
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Avoid leaving your cat alone during the fireworks
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Stay calm, act normal and give lots of praise for calm behaviour unless they prefer to hide away
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There are various therapies available to help calm your pet such as diffusers
Other small animals
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Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area of their enclosure is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out
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Provide plenty of bedding small animals can burrow in when scared
Firework phobia
Firework phobia is a treatable condition and animals don’t have to suffer in fear. We suggest you seek advice from your vet who will, if necessary, be able to refer you to a professional clinical animal behaviourist.
