FIREWORKS AND YOUR PETS
Its that time again when fireworks are let off at any time from now and till well after Guy Fawkes night. This can cause untold damage to pets. We have put together the top ten tips to help reduce some of the stress and make it an enjoyable time of year.
The Gold Standard for getting to grips with a fireworks phobia or any other noise related phobia is to use a product like Sounds Scary; Zylekene do a CD with much the same noises and guide. The process of desensitisation can take weeks or maybe months and should not be hurried.
Tops 10 tips for dogs at firework time
1) Prepare a ‘den’ for your dog, so that he has somewhere to hide during the fireworks. Encourage him to use it by hiding healthy food treats or toys there. If your dog hides in a corner or under a bed, leave him alone and do not try to coax him out. This ‘bolthole’ is where he will feel most secure and must be accessible at all times. You can further help create this comforting ‘den’ for your dog by using a plug in DAP diffuser. This is best done 1-2 weeks before the onset of fireworks season.
2) On the evenings you expect fireworks, ensure your dog is safely inside and secure doors and windows
3) Make sure your pet is microchipped. If they do escape, frightened, confused animals can easily get lost
4)Ensure your dog is taken out for a walk early in the evening before the fireworks start and give them a high carbohyrdrate meal one hour before it gets dark.
5)Draw curtains to reduce the noise from outside and play music or have the TV on to help mask the noise of fireworks
6)Ignore any fearful behaviour and do not try to comfort your pet. The animal will pick up on your anxiety and this may make the problem worse. Fussing a pet that appears frightened can reward and encourage this behaviour
7) Don’t punish your pet. This only confirms that there is something to be afraid of
8) Try not to go out while the fireworks are going off. Seeing you acting normally will help your pet feel more settled.
9) DAP spray can be applied to your pet’s bedding on the night of the event to give him additional support. Zylekene can be given to help calm them down, or skullcap and valerian.
10) If there is not enough time before fireworks start (3-4wks) then soon after the firework season is over you should contact your vet to ask about treatment for your dog's fear of fireworks, hopefully to start a desensitisation program.
This list was complied for dogs, mainly due to the fact that they tend to be more affected than cats but all of the tips apply to fear in cats. There is an alternative to DAP in cats, called Felliway.
Rabbits and guinea pigs can be frightened by the loud noises and flashes of fireworks so it is worth moving their hutches in side or covering the hutches with a thick blanket.
There is a wealth of information on the internet where you can find other ideas and products to help relax your anxious pet. A client came in last week said they had brought a tight fitting body suit for their dog that is supposed to relax the dog and make them feel secure!
You can listen to our radio broadcast discussing fireworks on the following link:
A few useful websites to find out more about the desensitisation cds or the pheromone diffusers:
www.petfireworkfear.co.uk
www.rspca.org.uk
www.fabcats.org
www.guidedogs.org.uk
www.rspca.org.uk
www.fabcats.org
www.guidedogs.org.uk
