Pets and fireworks
Pet owners must understand that the safety of their pets is the most important thing. They need special care and attention to remain calm and happy. Fireworks can be worrying, anxiety frightening, and even aggressive for pets. If your pet is one you understand receives extreme harassment through fireworks, or if it’s a new puppy that seems not able to cope with loud noises – then speak together with your vet. If you would like to discuss speaking to your vet about medication for your animals, please do this some weeks before Bonfire Night so your vet can offer as many options as possible in advance. Keep reading for our top tips on preparing your pet for the fireworks season.
Tips to help your pet cope with fireworks
You may already know that your dog or cat is scared of fireworks from previous years, or you may have a new pet, and this could be their first experience of fireworks. Fireworks are a big feature of many festivals, for example Bonfire Night and Diwali or New Year’s Eve. While entertaining for us, our pets have another story; in fact, 40% of pet owners report that their pet fears fireworks, according to the PDSA. In some instances, pets may go through the whole fireworks season traumatized. There are a few different easy matters that you may do to ease your puppy’s stress around fireworks. Here are a few useful tips to try to lead them to greater comfort.
Invest in a pheromone diffuser
Pheromone sprays and diffusers can help to alleviate pet stress and anxiety, so try placing a couple around the house-these can be a good way to keep nervous pets’ calm. You’ll need to do this at least a couple of weeks ahead of fireworks night for it to take effect. Your vet will be able to help you choose an option that best suits your pet.
Take the dogs for walk early
If you usually go for an evening or late-night walk, try to change the routine and head out early to avoid being outside when the fireworks start. Even if they don’t normally show fear around fireworks, dogs can be easily startled by loud, unexpected bangs while outside.
Gradually change your usual walking patterns a week before fireworks events to acclimate your dog to the shift. Keep them on a leash at all times during the fireworks period; a surprised pet might scurry off without warning sometimes.
Keep the cats indoors
If your cat is an outdoor cat that likes to wander, it’s really worth trying to keep them in whilst they come home in advance in the day. Otherwise, there’s a risk they may still be out while the fireworks begin.
Create a safe space for your pet
Having a safe place in your own home method your puppy may have someplace acquainted and cushty to retreat to if they’re scared. A puppy-friendly haven is packed with meals and water bowls, favorite toys, and bedding in a room or corner of your own home. It’s very essential no longer to limit them to this space, as that might strain them even greater. You should let them go where they feel safe.
Offer many hiding places
Most homes are full of great hiding spots for dogs and cats, under the bed or behind the sofa, for example. Make sure you provide many places they can safely hide away from the noise. This is especially critical for cats. If they do determine to take refuge across the house, keep a watch on in which they’re to keep away from shutting them in and reducing them off from different areas of the house.
Close windows, curtains, and blinds
Keeping your windows closed can help muffle loud noises and save your puppy from escaping in the event that they determine to escape. You may additionally want to shut any curtains or blinds to in addition soundproof your property and shut out vibrant flashes and sparks that could scare pets. Don’t forget to lock the cat flap to save your cat from getting outdoors.
Turn up the radio or TV
Turning on the radio or TV does not only hide the loud thuds and crackling of firecrackers, but also introduces a familiar sound that will make your dog or cat feel somewhat better. Try playing soothing music or turn on a program that you regularly watch to make your pet feel safe and sound.
Rabbits: Extra bedding
Rabbits generally tend to burrow when they get scared, so popping some more bedding into their home gives them masses to hide in and enables them to sense protection towards the noise. You may also want to present them a few extra hideaways, together with a ventilated cardboard container filled with hay, to ensure they’ve masses of possibilities to take safe haven from the noise.
Stay at home
If at all possible, try to ensure that somebody is at home, this will help soothe your pet’s fears. Left to their own devices, your pet could become very stressed and destructive in your absence. Try to act as normally as you can in front of your dog, the more normal we act, the safer and more secure they are going to feel since you seem unruffled and not bothered.
If they come over to you for comfort, then you should treat them as you normally would and not ignore them. Don’t scold them for what is inappropriate behavior for us, this will only serve to heighten the anxiety.
Give them a treat
A filled bite toy can keep dogs occupied for hours, while a deal with a puzzle ball can have the identical effect on cats and rabbits. These stimulating toys assist take their thoughts off what is taking place around them and can even help them forget their fears. It’ll additionally praise their accurate conduct and bravery.
Make sure they’re microchipped
Scared animals can flee, especially cats, so ensure they’re microchipped in order that they may be recognized fast in the event that they do. If your puppy is already microchipped, take a look at that your contact details are updated so that you can be contacted without delay.
Conclusion: General firework safety
Remember to store your fireworks out of the reach of your pets, and ensure proper and secure disposal for used fireworks. Check your garden for fallout or shrapnel in the morning after a display in the neighborhood. The chemical contents in fireworks are so dangerous that, in the wrong circumstance, can lead to a fatality if eaten by your pet, hence staying on your guard during firework seasons is vital.
