Top ten tips to keep your pets happy during the fireworks season
Fireworks can effect cats and dogs alike. Not only the noise but even the flashing of the displays can cause alarm. Pets can show stress in a vartiety of ways. Here's our ten tips to help reduce your pets stress during fireworks:
- Provide a den or comfortable hiding place for your pet.
Ideally get your pet accustomed to this before firework season. Food and toys can be used. Ideally it needs to be somewhere quiet and dark. This doesn’t have to be separate from the family as this may cause even more stress.
- Use a pheromone treatment.
Adaptil or Feliway can be purchased in practice. Use them in the places the pet spends most of its time.
- Walk your dog early.
Time walks whilst it is relatively light outside, before fireworks start. If necessary skip the walk for one evening and play indoors instead.
- Keep cats indoors.
This can cause more stress for some. Provide lots of toilet areas and places to hide. If your cat insists on going out then provide outdoor safe spots in the garden.
- Provide lots of toilet breaks
If a dog is fearful to go out in the dark because of fireworks do not tell them off. Let them decide when to go by allowing outside as frequently as possible when the fireworks seem to be quiet. Try to encourage them to go whilst it is relatively light outside before the fireworks start. Do not punish accidents in the house.
For cats provide a tray indoors, somewhere out of the way, even if they always go outside! Try to use some soil if they will not use normal cat litter.
- Provide distractions
Whether in the form of food or toys or even just a good old cuddle! You can reassure your pet but keep it nice and calm. Suddenly ignoring your pet completely can confuse them, but your interactions should be positive and calming. If you are feeling stressed they will pick up on it so grabbing them and wrapping them up suddenly when a firework goes off, especially when they are not used to it will cause worsening associations. Or even constantly petting and checking on them every time a firework goes off can disturb them and they will learn react. Let your pet be near you if they want, again just a little comfort goes a long way. If your pet simply wants to be alone leave them be.
- Try not to leave your house
If possible try not to leave your pet home alone whilst fireworks are going off. Even if you have to ask a family member or friend. Taking your pet to a different house or environment may already be a scary experience so avoid in very nervous animals.
- Use the TV or radio
Most pets are used to these noises as just back ground noises so turn the volume up a bit and draw the curtains closed. During fireworks season some radio stations even play pet calming music in the evenings!
- Never punish your pet
Even your pet is showing signs of anxiety or stress do not punish them. It will make matters worse. You can ignore extreme behaviours but try distractions. Some pets will not eat when stressed, you can offer even tastier treats if allowed.
- Seek help- the sooner the better!!!
If you are worried your pet suffers during firework season please phone the practice. There are options available to help reduce your pet’s anxiety. We offer a vet appointment for a full check over and advice, and if necessary can refer to behaviourists. If your pet has never shown signs of firework stress before but suddenly one year starts, then please book an appointment and we will happily check your pet over and offer advice.
For additional support please go online and full in the Sound Sensitivity Questionnaire, available at http://www.adaptil.co.uk/Firework-Fear/Assess-your-dogs-fear-of-fireworks to understand how your pets cope with noise fear, and what resources are available.
Please Note
These factsheets are provided as guidelines only. If you are at all concerned about the wellbeing of your pet then please call Hope Veterinary Surgery immediately by using our phone number 01782 657788.
