Many pets suffer stress or fear at the sound of fireworks and we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the do's and dont's to keep your pets happy and safe*
Do
- Make sure your pet is in a safe environment so that it doesn't bolt or escape if frightened by a loud noise
- Keep pets indoors, close all windows, doors, curtains and cat flats and provide clean litter trays for cats
- Play some soothing music or have the tv on to help to drown out noises
- Make your pet a den by draping a blankets over a table so that it can hide and feel safe.
- Try to engage a frightened pet in some distracting play
- Ignore the noises outside yourself so that your pet doesn't pick up on your fear or reactions
- Try to ignore fretful behaviour as much as possible
- Exercise your dog before dusk - before the noises start
- If possible bring outside pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs inside
Don't
- Take your pet out whilst fireworks are being set off
- Take your pet to any fireworks displays
- Shout or punish your pet if they are frightened
- Leave your cat or dog alone if they are stressed by the noise of fireworks
- Use old prescribed medications for your pets
- Be tempted to administer any human medications to your pets
- Force your pet to play if it doesn't want to
- Physically restrain your pet if it panics
There are also other ways which you can help your pet feel less frightened on and around bonfire night, some of which include medications or natural scents (pheromones).
For more information and advice on how to keep your pet stress free please contact
The Pet Rescue Welfare Association by clicking here
*information provided by the PDSA