NEWS

FIREWORKS

From Bonfire Night to New Year celebrations, every year thousands of animals suffer as a result of fireworks being let off.

Learn to recognise fear in your pets and keep them safe and happy. Know the signs.

Signs of stress in Dogs:

• Pacing
• Panting
• Shaking
• Restlessness
• Looking for somewhere to hide
• Seeking reassurance

Helping your dog:

• Make sure your dog has eaten and been walked before dark
• Close the curtains
• Switch on the TV or Radio for background noise
• Keep your own voice calm
• Try and engage them in a fun activity
• Give them a chewy treat to occupy them
• Provide a safe space for them to hide if they want to be alone

Signs of stress in cats:

• Hiding away
• Hissing or Grumbling
• Enlarged pupils
• Arched back
• Hair standing on end
• Upset tummy / Off food

Helping your cat:

• Keep them indoors after dark
• Close the curtains
• Switch on the TV or Radio for background noise
• Allow them to hide away somewhere safe
• Provide an indoor litter tray in a quiet space, close to their hiding place
• For cats living outdoors, such as farm or stable cats, make sure they have spacious shelter. Shutting them in may cause more stress

Using plug-in calmers, starting a couple of weeks before bonfire night may help, however, if you are worried about your pet, please speak to your vet.

Outdoor small animals:

• Scared Rabbits may stamp their feet
• Have rapid breathing
• Freeze
• Have wide eyes
• Become aggressive with you and / or their mate
• Scared Guinea Pigs may dart around wildly
• Have rapid breathing
• Freeze
• Try to dig at the floor to bury themselves away
• Hide in a corner
• Make their body become stiff

Its best to try and avoid the temptation to bring outside pets indoors, as this may cause more stress for them, unless they are used to coming inside. Partially cover the hutch with a thick blanket to soften the noise and make it darker against flashes. Ventilation is still important, so do not cover the hutch completely.

• Provide extra bedding so they can hide away
• Avoid too much handling as this can cause more stress
• Provide plenty of treats to encourage them to forage and focus

If you are worried about anything, or need extra advice, please do not hesitate to give us a call.