It is nearly firework season again which means dark nights, squibs, bangers and full on firework displays. It is a great time to celebrate but often out pets do not enjoy the sudden noises. This time of the year can be a stressful time. Here is some advice from Grove Vets about the best ways to help you cat or dog this autumn.
Photo by Laura Ockel on Unsplash
Give your pets a safe place to hide
Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.
Get outside early
During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
Make sure all windows, doors and cat flaps are securely closed during fireworks night. This will reduce the chances of your pets escaping.
Distract your little treasures
At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks or provide a distraction with some toys to play with.
Don’t fuss around them too much
If your pet shows any signs of fear try to ignore their behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves.
Never punish or fuss over your pet when it’s scared as this will only make things worse in the long run.
Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise. The most important thing to do is to have your pet microchipped in case they do escape. Microchipping is a requirement and an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Grove Vets can microchip your cat or dog for you.
And for other pets and small animals
If your pets live outside, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in. Although you pet should be able to cope with loud noises it is understandable that noisy fireworks would cause stress and upset.
So if the fireworks going off make sure that you stay with your pet if possible, ignore the noises outside and never punish you pet if they are acting distressed. Once the fireworks are over your pet should feel better but if signs of anxiety or stress persist after firework season has ended get in touch with Grove Vets on 028 25656023 for help and advice.