Fireworks Advice for Pet Owners
Fireworks Advice for Pet Owners
This time of the year is filled with great excuses to get together with your family and friends, but it's also a time that many pet owners dread. Between now and the new year, fireworks get increasingly common, and they can cause many pets to become anxious, stressed and scared – with the RSPCA receiving 436 calls relating to fireworks between October and November just last year.
Nik Oakley, a communications advisor who has spent a number of years as a spokesperson for DogLost and the Stolen and Missing Pet Alliance, shares some tips on the measures pet owners could take during fireworks.
“Even if your dog doesn’t seem to show any obvious aversion to fireworks inside the house, that may not be the case outside. So, if your dog needs to go out for a pee, simply take her out on a lead. That way she can’t bolt out of fear.”
Nik Oakley advises that inside the house, it is important to provide your dog with a safe space. Picking a spot furthest away from windows and exterior walls can help. Especially, throwing a few rugs over the dining room table and building up the sides with solid boxes or crates can really help create the feeling of a safe space.
Animal welfare charity, the RSPCA, is also preparing for one of its busiest times of the year by issuing advice for pet owners and those planning firework displays. RSPCA welfare expert Lisa Richards said, "There are some simple things owners can do to help their pets. Make sure dogs and cats are kept indoors when fireworks are likely to go off, try to mask the noise of the fireworks by turning on the TV or music, and provide pets with a safe place to hide at all times.”
RSPCA advises:
- Fireworks phobia is a treatable condition and vet advice should be sought in the first instance.
- Using a Sounds Scary! CD can help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud noises in the long-term.
- For any pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or rodent, make sure you provide suitable hiding places with extra bedding where they can feel safe. This is also true for animals that live outside.
- Close all windows and curtains.
- Play music or put on the television to muffle the fireworks.
- Make sure they’re kept in a safe place during any display.
- Never punish or fuss over them as it can make things worse.
- Make sure your pets are microchipped in case they escape.
- Give your dog their walk earlier in the day.
- Never ever take a dog to a fireworks display – even if they don’t make noise or show other signs of being scared – it’s still highly likely to be a stressful situation for them
- Adaptil diffuser – mimics a natural appeasing pheromone to help dogs feel safe and secure when they encounter new or challenging situations
If you're looking for extra pet blankets, cocoon style beds or calming aromatherapy products for your pet, why not have a look at our calming product collection, which contains things to keep your pet comfortable or distracted to minimise stress.
