The UK’s leading emergency vets, Vets Now, has issued a warning to pet owners, reminding them to be extra cautious and aware of the dangers the annual event can bring to pets and wildlife.
Last autumn, Vets Now saw 129% increase in fireworks cases during October and November compared to previous months*. Leading vet, Mandisa Greene, Medical Director at Vets Now, said: “An evening of thundering booms and colourful flashes might seem like fun for us humans, but for most animals including cats and dogs, fireworks can be hugely stressful. Not only is their reaction distressing to witness but it can also lead them into potentially life-threatening situations.”
“Every year, our vets treat scores of dogs, cats and other pets who have been badly affected by fireworks. To reduce the distress caused to pets by fireworks, we urge owners to take precautionary measures to help prepare pets and reduce the potential for accidents.”
8 vet approved tips for calming your dog during fireworks
Keep your pets indoors
There is a chance your pets could run off if they are spooked by loud bangs and sadly, at Vets Now, we regularly see pets who have been hit by cars as a result of this. During fireworks, make sure they are safely indoors with windows and doors securely closed. Be sure to walk dogs well in advance of fireworks starting and keep them on a lead.
Leave internal doors open
The inescapable booming sounds are distressing enough for your pets without them feeling trapped. Help them feel more in control by keeping internal doors open so they can settle themselves wherever they want.
Provide a safe space
Ensure your pets have access to a comforting place they can settle in if they’re distressed. Their usual bed or a quiet spot with some of their favourite toys, a blanket or an item of your old clothing are usually good bets.
‘Soundproof’ your house
Help block out the noise as much as possible, by drawing the curtains or adding draught excluders to the bottom of doors for example.
Play background noise
Playing “white noise” such as the TV, radio or other music, in advance of the fireworks starting, can help drown out the noise. Some radio stations air special programmes to help keep pets and their owner’s calm and relaxed.
Feed them earlier
Firework stress may cause pets to avoid food, so make sure you feed your pets a good meal well before the fireworks are due to start.
Offer praise and comfort
If they are scared of the fireworks this can help calm and reassure your pet that there is nothing to worry about. Stroking and cuddling is fine if they need comforting, but if they choose to hide it’s best to let them.
Act natural
While it’s ok to praise and comfort your pet if they are scared of the fireworks, be sure to stay calm to avoid reinforcing their behaviour. In other words, if you act worried your pet will think there is a reason for them to be worried. Acting as normal as possible is key.
Know the signs of stress in your pet:
- Heavy panting or drooling
- Barking or hissing
- Shaking
- Hiding
- Aggression
- Unexpected soiling
For more advice and information, or to find your nearest Vets Now emergency service, visit the Vets Now autumn advice hub, https://www.vets-now.com/autumn/.
