Pet care - Protect your pet from firework fear
Keep your cat indoors.
Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise.
Leave your cat to take refuge in a corner if it wishes. Do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress.
Make sure your cat is microchipped to ensure it can be
returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost.
Dogs
Exercise your dog during the day.
Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.
As with cats, keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.
Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.
Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is
microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.
To further minimise distress, ask your vet about the Dog
Appeasing Pheromone. It is a synthetic version of a chemical
produced by a bitch shortly after she has given birth. The
pheromone reassures newborn puppies and naturally calms them
down. Scientists have discovered it also helps calm older dogs
as well.
A simple plug-in diffuser that disperses the chemical into the
room is available at some veterinary practices. It is safe and
easy to use.
If your dog is particularly prone to becoming very distressed,
discuss sedatives with your vet. Remember, these should be
given before the firework noise begins to allow them to take
effect.
Small animals
Rabbits and guinea pigs and other small animals living outside
should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed
from loud noise. Bring small animals indoors or into an
outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection.
Horses
Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured.
Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled while
fireworks are being let off. Make sure fireworks are not in
view by closing the stable door.
Bonfires
Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which
often crawl in to them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as
possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the
foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to
escape before it is lit.
Always clear up after a fireworks party - litter is hazardous
to domestic and wild animals.
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