In my area the fireworks festivities have already begun. The sounds of whoosh, bang and whiz fill the sky, creating fabulous colourful displays for us to enjoy.
One of the key things for us in enjoying fireworks is making sure our pets are settled.
Here are a few helpful hints to help cats and dogs during this eventful period.
For the cat owner:
• Make sure you keep your cat inside preferably from 7pm and make sure the cat flap is securely locked to prevent them from escaping to the outside if scared.
• Provide your cat with plenty of areas to hide in the house, they like their little dark spaces…
• Close your curtains to stop the flashes from the fireworks being seen and make sure the windows are closed to help minimize the sound of the fireworks.
• Provide your cat with more than one litter tray in different areas of the house as they will not want to leave the room they are in to go to the toilet.
• Your cat needs access to water and also some food.
You can try using a product called Feliway, it can help reduce anxiety in cats. Talk to your veterinary surgeon about this product.
For the dog owner:
• Try to walk your dog before 7pm and bring them inside, it’s not a good time to be outside and alone if you’re a dog.
• Close your curtains to stop the flashes from the fireworks being seen and make sure the windows are closed to help minimize the sound of the fireworks.
• You could have the radio on playing soothing music at a low level.
• Make sure your dog is able to feel safe on their bed and maybe add a few more sheets for them to dig in to and that it is in a room they love to hide out in.
• Your dog needs access to plenty of water and also some food.
You ca try using a product called DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) it can help reduce anxiety in dogs. Talk to your veterinary surgeon about this product.
Remember:
Don’t get angry with your animal if it is displaying behaviours you do not want it to. Your animal is frightened and by telling your pet off you can make the anxiety worse.
Do not react if your pet does show signs of fear. Keep calm and carry on as if nothing out of the ordinary is happening.
Any animal that displays severe fear such as destruction, vocalization, shaking, panting and lots of pacing where the animal can not settle you really need to seek help and advice from a Veterinary Behaviourist.
Hope you all have happy and safe fireworks,
Kelly