The ‘firework season’ seems to last longer each year and now extends from October through to New Year’s Eve. For many pet owners it is a stressful time, living with a frightened animal, never knowing when the next set of fireworks will begin. Animals have very acute hearing and do not understand that the noises are nothing to worry about, so it is our duty to keep them safe. Here are some helpful Guidelines:

General

• It is unfair to hold a firework party in your garden if you have pets or if your neighbours have pets


• Find out when local firework displays are planned and try to be home on those occasions


• If you cannot avoid leaving your pet alone and you come home to find they have been destructive, do not tell them off as they have obviously been frightened and they will not understand why they are being told off


• Do not expect your pet to understand what is happening, we know it is only fireworks but to them it is a series of random scary noises


• Never shout at your pet if it is frightened it will only add to the stress and make the situation worse


• Make sure you pick up any debris from fireworks that land in your garden as this can be harmful to your pets


• Remember that hedgehogs and other wildlife can sleep in bonfires so disturb the foundations of any bonfire before it is lit

Dogs

• Keep your dog indoors when fireworks are being let off, and if he needs to go to the loo in the garden, keep him on a lead in case a firework goes off unexpectedly


• Just because your dog barks at fireworks, doesn’t mean he likes them, it could be stress related behaviour


• Close windows and curtains and turn on the TV or play music to help drown out some of the noise


• Make sure your dog is microchipped and is wearing a collar with an identity disc in case he does run away in fear. Keep the collar on in the house as well, just in case the dog gets out by accident


• Give your dog lots of exercise during the day so you don’t need to walk your dog when fireworks are going off. This should also help your dog relax more in the evening if is tired from all his exercise


• If your dog is only mildly concerned about fireworks, you can distract him indoors by playing with his favourite toys or playing hunting games for food or toys. This should take his mind off the noise, but if he is too stressed to play, accept it and don’t force him to play


• If your dog does become agitated and restless, stay calm and try to act normally. Do not reassure your dog as this will make him think there is something to worry about. You can praise him when he is calm


• Create an area where your dog can hide away if he wants to. This could be his crate if he is used to one, under the bed, behind the sofa or a favourite corner. Let your dog hide away if he chooses to and leave him be. Don’t keep trying to comfort him and coax him out it will only add to his stress.


• If your dog is frightened of fireworks ask your vet about DAP diffusers or sprays. These are Dog Appeasing Pheromones, a synthetic version of a chemical that is produced by a bitch after she has given birth. These pheromones help de-stress your dog.


• If your dog becomes extremely distressed by fireworks, you could discuss the use of sedatives with your vet but make sure you follow your vet’s advice.

Cats

• Keep your cats indoors when fireworks are being let off, or after dark if you live in an area where fireworks are being let off most nights. Make sure you provide them with a litter tray


• Close windows and curtains and turn on the TV or play music to help drown out some of the noise


• If your cat wants to hide away, let her. Make sure all the family leaves her alone and don’t keep trying to tempt her out.


• Make sure your cat is microchipped and is wearing a quick release ‘SNAP’ type collar with an identity disc in case she does run away in fear


• If your cat is frightened of fireworks ask your vet about Feliway diffusers or sprays. These contain a synthetic version of cat pheromones which can help calm a stressed cat

Small Animals

• Rabbits and guinea pigs can also be easily frightened by fireworks, so ideally move them into the garage or shed. You can bring them into the house, but be aware they will not be used to our centrally heated environment and it may be harmful to put them back outside in the cold, once they have been indoors. Extreme changes in temperature are not good for any animal


• If you can’t move them from their outdoor location, cover the hutch with blankets to give them some protection, but make sure the air can still circulate


• Give them extra bedding so they can burrow into it to hide