Follow these helpful tips to keep your pets calm this firework season…
CATS & DOGS
- If you are concerned about your pet’s reaction to fireworks, ask your vet for advice in advance.
- Invest in a pet calming spray or diffuser — vet practices and pet shops stock them.
- Keep dogs and cats inside from early evening on days when fireworks are likely to be set off.
- Close windows and lock cat/dog flaps to stop pets escaping and keep noise to a minimum.
- Draw curtains and blinds, and switch on a TV or radio to block out some of the noise.
- Prepare a choice of ‘den’ for your pet where he can feel safe and comfortable – perhaps under a bed or an enclosed pet bed or cardboard box.
- If your pet paces around, whines, miaows, or hides himself away, don’t over fuss or try to coax them out. Allow them to settle in their own time and choose their own safe spot.
- Stay relaxed, act normally and praise your dog or cat for calm behaviour. It’s OK to cuddle and stroke your pet if it helps them relax.
- He might not bark or whimper, but that doesn’t mean your dog is not stressed by the lights and sounds.
- Avoid leaving your pet by himself at home on firework night. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry if you return to find he has been destructive or toileted. Shouting at a frightened pet will make him even more stressed.
- Walk your dog earlier in the day before the fireworks start.
- Ensure your dog wears a collar and name tag. If he does run away in a panic you have a better chance of being quickly reunited.
- Never take your dog to a fireworks display.
SMALL FLUFFIES
- An outdoor hutch or cage should be brought indoors into a quiet room, or into a garage or shed.
- Alternatively, turn the hutch/cage around so it faces a wall or fence and cover with a thick blanket.
- Provide extra bedding for your pet to burrow into.
- Cover aviaries with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs while still ensuring there’s ventilation.
CHICKENS
- Deaden noise with extra insulation on the hen house, but remember to keep ventilation holes clear.
- Pop in a battery powered radio on a low volume to mask the external noise.
- Rescue remedy (Bach flowers), Oregano plus (Chicken Vet) or Chill Out (Global Herbs) can help hens cope.
- Check your garden for spent fireworks in the morning. You don’t want your hens eating the debris.
HORSES
- Ask neighbours and fireworks display organisers to ensure fireworks are set off in the opposite direction well away from your horse’s field or stable.
- Keep your horse in a familiar environment, in his normal routine to help him feel secure.
- You or someone experienced should stay with your horse if you know fireworks are being set off to observe his reaction, ensure they remain as safe and calm as possible and respond appropriately.
- If your horse reacts badly to loud noises talk to your vet or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
- Remain calm and positive — horses can sense unease and this could make things worse if the horse is startled.
Our thanks to The Blue Cross and British Hen Welfare Trust for these tips
