It’s not only during October and early November that you need to consider your pets’ reactions to fireworks.  More and more people are celebrating with fireworks throughout the year – for parties, weddings and, of course, New Year’s Eve.

Our furry friends can find fireworks scary, even the quiet ones.  They can react in different ways, but you may notice that they:

• Hide away
• Shiver
• Freeze
• Run away

For those that bolt or run, this can be dangerous to them and you if they pull so hard on their lead, for example, that you are pulled into traffic.  If they are off lead at the time, they can disappear as they are likely to run and hide.

What can I do to help my pet?

Plan ahead if you can.  Make sure that your pet has a safe place to go – a quiet spot in your home where they can feel in control.  Allow them to make it their own – leave favourite toys and food treats there, with limited interaction from you.  When fireworks go off, they can retreat to this safe space, so ensure that they have access to the space even if you are out.

Relaxing music is not only for stressed humans.  Classic FM broadcasts special programmes each year to help keep anxious pets calm and relaxed along with tips from the RSPCA.  More details can be found here: Classic FM’s Pet Classics returns to help keep anxious pets calm and relaxed… – Classic FM

Other simple ideas to help are:

• Exercise your dog during daylight hours
• Keep cats indoors overnight if they get spooked
• Create and use the safe haven regularly
• Try not to leave your pet alone in the house when you know fireworks will occur
• Use blackout blinds or curtains to prevent flashes being seen
• Close windows and curtains early to muffle as much noise as possible
• Play music or put the TV on to cover up the sound of fireworks
• Try not to react to the fireworks yourself – if your furry friend sees you are agitated, they will be too

As well as the tips above, there are pheromone diffusers available which give out calming chemicals into a room or for severely anxious animals, it might be necessary to consider prescribing calming medication.  You can also book an appointment with our vet and animal behaviourist, Karen, who will be happy to run through options specific to you and your pet as well.

Our team are passionate about all animals and treat yours as if they were our own, so call in or contact us to chat about what we have found useful for our pets during firework season.