With Halloween and Bonfire Night coming up around the corner, experts are concerned about the effect that extravagant fireworks and having masses of new people at the door will have on our pets.
Melanie Sainsbury, Veterinary Education Manager at Natures Menu, the UK and Europe’s number one expert in raw and natural feeding, has compiled some top tips for UK pet-owners to ensure their furry friends remain stress-free and safe.
1) Keep your sweet treats to yourself
Halloween is known for its sweet treats, but a lot of the sugary snacks we consume over this period can be toxic to our pets.
It might be stating the obvious to some, but chocolate is incredibly poisonous to our four-legged friends. In dogs, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased thirst, panting and restlessness and in severe cases, it can result in muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.
If you think that sugar-free sweets are safer for your dog – think again! They man contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, which can be more poisonous to pets than chocolate. Symptoms your pet may show include vomiting, loss of coordination and seizures, and in severe cases – liver failure.
To avoid your pet eating any of the sweet stuff, we advise that you keep your treat bowl way out of reach from your pets. If you suspect they may have ingested something toxic, call your vet immediately for advice.
2) Give your pet a suitable treat as a distraction
A bone is the ideal treat to give your dog this Halloween or Bonfire Night. The repetitive chewing motion releases serotonin – a chemical also known as the ‘feel-good’ endorphin – which can help to promote relaxation. A tasty chew, or a Kong toy stuffed with some delicious treats, can also help to keep your dog distracted from the sudden changes in sound.
3) Shut all curtains and blinds
Loud bangs from fireworks can scare your pet, causing them to become distressed. Help to reduce the noise and ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible by closing your windows and curtains, putting on some music or your TV, and providing a place for them to hide. Your local veterinary practice can offer help and advice on calming aids – remember to approach them far in advance of the celebrations as many calming aids should be used or administered in advance of the night itself.
4) Treat your pet as you normally would
If they are showing signs of distress, comfort your pet by gentle strokes – or even some massage techniques – to help them relax as much as possible. Gentle exercises, grooming (providing your pet is used to this already) or simply just a tummy rub can often help alleviate their anxiety
5) Ensure your pet is microchipped and collar information is up to date
As fireworks can continue for several weeks at this time of year, it is vital that your pet’s microchip and collar have all your most recent information on. Should they get spooked and run away, they can be safely reunited with you.
6) Safety in the garden
If you, or neighbours, are having a bonfire or firework display at home, make sure that you thoroughly clean the area afterwards. Sticks or debris in the garden could cause your pet injuries such as wood splinters stuck under their gums and could even pierce vital organs. Following bonfires, always check the ash bed left behind is completely cool before letting your pet near it. Many cats see ash beds as giant litter trays and as they scrape through to the lower parts of the pile, the heat may still be present enough to burn paws, even long after the fire was put out.
Melanie adds: “It is commonly known that Halloween and Bonfire Night is a stressful time for animals due to loud noises, flashing lights and mischievous behaviour – it is always important to be prepared. It is vital that every pet owner takes measures to help safeguard their animals in the best ways they can – we hope our tips can provide some advice for your furry friends this autumn.”
