Remember, remember the 5th of November and keep your pets safe!
It’s the busiest time of year, for dogs running off so be prepared.
Fireworks: It’s the Guy Fawkes and Diwali season, so keep your dogs safe from bangs and flashes by not walking them at night and keeping them on a lead at all times while out, even in the garden in case they bolt and leap the fence. ! Are your dogs and cats microchip data up to date and remember it is the law for your dog to have a collar and tag on holding your contact details!
Not all pets are afraid of fireworks, but if this is the first firework season you have experienced with your pet, keep an eye out for signs of stress and anxiety
Always keep your pet indoors when fireworks are being let off and never take your dog to a firework display
If possible, avoid leaving your pet alone if you know there will be fireworks nearby. If you cannot be home, do not get angry with your pet if you find they have been destructive while you were out.
Close all windows and doors, draw the curtains, switch on the lights and put on the television or radio, all of which will block out some of the noise of the fireworks
If you need to take your dog out to relieve himself, don’t go too far from the house and keep him on the lead. Provide a litter tray for your cat indoors
Make sure your dog or cat has a collar and ID tag on all evening just in case they are so stressed that they escape. Make sure your pets microchip is registered on a UK database and the contact details are up to date. (See our home page)
Give your dog plenty of exercise earlier in the day so he is relaxed and tired by dusk
Prepare a ‘den’ for your pet with their favourite blanket or bed where they can feel safe and comfortable if they want to hide away
Let your pet pace around, whine or hide away if they want to. Don’t coax them out or disturb them – they will come out when they are ready
Don’t try to cuddle or comfort a distressed pet as they will think you are worried too. Stay relaxed, act normally and praise any calm behaviour
If it helps, occupy your pet with toys, games and food filled toys
Cover the front of hutches to muffle the noise or bring your rabbit and guinea pig inside to limit the distress on small animals
THINK AHEAD
If you know your pet will struggle to cope with the firework season, speak to your vet well in advance about pheramone diffusers, homeopathic remedies or in very severe cases anxiety reducing drugs.
Be proactive in finding out when local firework events are taking place, including asking your neighbours, so you can make sure you are in on those nights.
As a longer term solution to help your pet cope, you can consider using one of the specially produced CDs of firework noises, but this is a lengthy desensitisation programme so needs to be started well ahead of the firework season
For more information and to download a fact sheet go to NATIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE TRUST:- http://www.nawt.org.uk/advice/pets-and-fireworks
Cartoon by Rupert Fawcett @ https://www.facebook.com/OffTheLeashDailyDogCartoons/?ref=ts&fref=ts.
