Have a stress-free Bonfire Night for your pets
PDSA’s recent PAW Report found that nearly a quarter of dog owners reported they are scared of fireworks.
This equates to millions of dogs suffering every year while we celebrate. The PDSA said: “Pets have sensitive hearing, so what seems loud to us can be even worse for our pets. Plus they don’t understand what’s causing the loud bangs and flashes, adding to their stress.
To help reduce this stress, here are top tips on helping pets through fireworks night:
- get your pet microchipped, so if they do manage to run away you’re more likely to be reunited.
- make a note of any official events nearby so you can walk dogs earlier in the day.
- make sure rabbits and guinea pigs are brought inside – a few days before is ideal
- keep doors, windows, cat flaps and curtains closed and secure.
- make a snuggly den for your pet, somewhere they feel safe and can hide if they want to. If your pet does hide don’t try to coax them out as this is their way of coping, stay nearby so they know you are there.
- playing moving with a repetitive beat, or ‘white noise’ can help to mask the sounds.
- try a pheromone diffuser which can help to keep pets calm.
- stay calm yourself – keeping your tone, mood and behaviour as normal as possible will help to reassure them. If you get very anxious, or comfort them more than usual, this can strengthen the perception that there is something to be afraid of.
- if your pet usually seeks reassurance from you then comfort them as you normally would. This is a short term solution though, so if your pet is very anxious it’s important to find more long term solutions to help them cope.
- never punish your pet – this just adds to their anxiety and can make things worse.
A pet’s first experience of fireworks can be crucial– a positive first encounter can prevent a lifetime of fear.
PDSA is now offering a free downloadable fireworks guide for pet owners, which gives plenty more advice on helping owners prevent and manage fireworks phobia in their pets.
Download this at www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworks
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