Fireworks season is just around the corner.
It is important to watch out for signs of stress in your pet. If you have more than one pet, ensure that each of them has their own hiding place and if that is where they prefer to be, don’t force them to come out. Make sure your curtains are closed and you’ve turned up the volume on your radio or tv a little more than normal. Very stressed out pets can show signs of aggression so please take care if your pet is looking anxious.
Every year our West London surgeries receive phone calls and visits from concerned pet owners, who are worried about their pets reactions to fireworks. Both dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs can suffer with stress and anxiety from noise related phobias, particularly around November and December time. The most important thing to remember is Be Prepared in advance.
Unfortunately for a lot of animals, fireworks is now a ‘season’ rather than one night. We’ve complied a list of things to be aware of before the event starts :
- Make a den for your pet to hide in, (use a pheromone spray inside the den if you have one at home.)
- Act normal – Your pet will sense your anxiety.
- Exercise your pet early / in daylight.
- Check your pets id tags and microchip information is up to date.
- Shut all windows and cat flaps.
- New toys and treats will act as a great distraction.
- Do not punish your pet, if they are showing anxiety.
Contact our friendly team before the season starts and our experienced team will be able discuss the best option for you and your pet. We have a wide range of help available for both cats and dogs.
73% of owners say they have a pet who’s scared of fireworks – Zylkenepet.co.uk
Up to 50% of dogs may be affected by fear of fireworks – adaptil.com
Cats like routine and a quiet environment, unexpected noises will upset a cat – Feliway.com
Nutracalm suppliment’s are available at all of our surgeries, for both dogs and cats. The supplement can reduce stress, and anxiety, it is fast acting and easy for pet owners to administer.
For cats – Feliway copies feline pheromones used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in the home. Ideally this should be plugged in or sprayed around your home starting two weeks before the fireworks begin. Starting early with any treatment will provide maximum effect.
Adaptil & Feliway
Adaptil for dogs – is the canine version of Feliway. Using pheromones to help reassure your dog. This product should also be started a few weeks before fireworks season, its comes as a plug – in (useful if you have more than one dog), a handy spray, or a collar.
For the more nervous canines, we can offer a fast acting gel that can be given in the comfort of your own home, tailored to the timing and duration of the events happening outside. The gel is simple to administer and can be used as part of an existing canine behaviour programme. The syringes are a Prescription Only Medicine for use in dogs suffering with extreme anxiety.
Don’t forget your outdoor pets too! Both rabbits and guinea pigs can get extremely stressed during the fireworks season too! If it is possible move their cage into your home (in the coolest room) or into your garage. Again you can leave your t.v or radio on to help drown out some of the sounds. If it is not possible to bring your pet inside use old blankets and / or rugs to cover their cages to reduce the noise and ensure they have extra bedding to snuggle into if they are scared.
If your pet suffers with anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact our team for help before the fireworks start. We also recommend downloading a fireworks sound track to play at home. Start by playing the sounds quietly every day, slowly over a period of weeks turn the sound up, allowing your pet plenty of time to become accustomed to the unusual noise.
