With Diwali and Bonfire Night just around the corner, people all over the nation will be looking forward to enjoying some festive parties and fireworks displays.
However, while this may be very exciting for humans, Battersea warns that this can be a very distressing time for our pets.
Thankfully, Battersea has plenty of tips that you can use to help keep your dog or cat calm and help make the fireworks season more enjoyable for every member of the family.
Ali Taylor, Head of Canine Behaviour and Training at Battersea says: “Fireworks season can be a very scary time for our pets, but thankfully there are things that you can do at this time of year to help a nervous dog or cat. Timing your dog’s walks earlier in the evening when fireworks aren’t being let off, ensuring your curtains are drawn, leaving lights on in the evenings and playing music or TV will all help to buffer the noise and sight of fireworks.”
“Our pets may choose to hide if they are worried by the fireworks, so set up a cosy den area and start to encourage your dog to choose to settle in there by hiding some tasty treats. Likewise, If your cat normally hides in a specific place, make sure they have access and encourage them to use the space with treats and toys.
“If you know that your dog or cat has severe reactions to fireworks, consider talking to your vet ahead of the celebrations to see if there are any medications they can provide to help with their anxiety. If your pet does have a fear of fireworks, consider talking to a reputable behaviourist to prevent this behaviour from escalating in future years.”
Battersea’s tip to help your pets this Bonfire Night:
Make sure your pet is microchipped and their details are up to date
Animals can flee when they get scared. If your pet does run away from home while fireworks are going off, you can easily be reunited if they’re microchipped and their chip details are up to date. It’s also a legal requirement for all dogs to be microchipped.
Avoid letting your dog outdoors when fireworks are likely to go off
By keeping your dog indoors when fireworks are going off, it prevents them being caught out and from getting scared if they’re outside. Make sure you take your dog for a nice long walk before dark.
Keep your cat indoors at night
Keeping your cat indoors will avoid them being caught out and spooked when fireworks start in your local area. Make sure they have a litter tray available that they are comfortable using.
Create a ‘safe space’ inside your home
If your pet is scared, they may take comfort in hiding away. If your dog is used to being in a crate, cover it and leave it open with blankets inside, or alternatively a table draped with a blanket can make a great retreat.
Don’t confine your pet to just one room
If your dog or cat becomes stressed, they may hurt themselves trying to get out, so allow them easy access to all safe areas of the house. Some animals may also be most comfortable curled up in their usual spot with you; let them do whatever suits them the best.
Keep the TV or radio on
To reduce the sudden impact of the sound of fireworks, keep the TV or radio on. Playing certain types of music that don’t have a repetitive beat or any sudden loud noises, like classical music or reggae, can be very calming for pets.
Keep your pet distracted with a treat
A new toy or treat can be a great way to distract your dog or cat from the noise of fireworks. For dogs, try a long-lasting chew toy or a Kong packed with tasty treats.
Act normally
Animals are very perceptive creatures, and if they notice you behaving strangely (like following them around and fussing over them) they’ll sense that something is wrong. If you behave normally, it will show them that the fireworks are nothing to worry about and it may help decrease their anxiety.
Keep your curtains closed
It may not just be the sound of fireworks that stress your pet -the flashes can worry them too. It’s important to make sure your curtains are closed and windows are covered to block out any sudden bursts of light.
If your pet is still stressed by fireworks following this advice, talk to your vet
A vet may be able to provide some medication to help reduce your pet’s anxiety. Bear in mind that any medicinal treatment should always be accompanied by a behaviour management plan and should only be used as a last resort.
