24/10/2024
🎇Firework Season🎇
Fireworks can be very scary for our pets, with an estimated 80% of owners noticing a change in their dogs behaviour and 48% of dogs in the UK showing signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Cats, rabbits and other small furries can also find this time extremely worrying too😨
If you think there's going to be fireworks going off near you, and you know/are unsure if your microchip details are not up-to-date its important to get them corrected as soon as possible📞
Dogs and Cats can react very badly to the unfamiliar/unpredictable sights and sounds of fireworks. Currently, an estimate 53% of microchips have incorrect owner details, meaning that if a pet goes missing, many may not be able to be returned to their owners💔
If you are unsure of which database to call in order to update your pets microchip please give us a call; if we have a record of you pets microchip number we should be able to advise who best to contact☎️
🎇🐶 DOGS 🐶🎆
🐾Distract your dog from the noise by having the TV or the radio switched on. Classic FM has a dedicated segment from 5pm-9pm of soothing music to help try to calm your dog (4th + 5th November).
🐾 Try to act and behave as normal, as your dog will pick up on any odd behaviour. Remain calm and positive and always reward their calm behaviour with dog treats or playing (if they want to play, do not force them). If your pet seeks reassurance, calmly comfort them as you would normally.
🐾Never try to force your dog to face their fears and do not try and tempt them out if they do retreat, as this may cause more stress. You should never tell your dog if they display fearful behaviours; it is natural for a dog to be scared of loud unfamiliar sounds/sights and punishing them will only make them more distressed.
🐾Take dogs out before dark and before any fireworks begin. Once back indoors, ensure all windows/doors are closed to prevent any panicked escaping. If during the evening you do need to briefly open the front/back door, shut your dog safely inside a room first (ensuring time left alone is kept very minimal).
🐾 If your dog prefers to go away and hide, let them! This is your pets way of coping. You can provide a 'den' style area for you dog to retreat to by using a large blanket/duvet/covering their crate and filling the den with their favourite toys/treats. Closing curtains and turning off some lights can also help with the safe secluded den feeling.
🎆🐱 CATS 🐱🎆
🐾 Ensure your cat has plenty of comfortable hiding places easily accessible. Once hidden, do not disturb them or try to coax them out, allow them to hide and come out once they feel safe.
🐾Don't try and pick up cats or restrain them as this can make them more stressed. Also avoid trying to contain them in one small area, give them access to anywhere that is safe for them to enter and allow them to choose their 'safe spot' freely.
🐾 Keep your cat indoors after dusk. Once inside, as well as the above mentioned doors also ensure all windows are closed as well as all cat-flaps are locked to prevent escaping.
🎇🐰SMALL FURRIES🐰🎇
🐾 If living outside try and bring their hutches into garages/sheds. If this is not possible, partially cover the hutch with blankets to make it more sound-proof and block out bright lights (whilst allowing good ventilation).
🐾 Give them pets plenty of hides and bedding to help them feel safe and reduce the sound.
🐾Ensure to all bonfires are built well away from hutches to prevent any smoke inhalation and any stray hay/bedding catching fire.
🐾Wildlife, in particular hedgehogs, find an unlit bonfire the perfect place to sleep! Please build any bonfires as close as possible to the day of the event and check them thoroughly for any signs of wildlife before lighting.
If despite all of the above suggestions your pet remains anxious and fearful during the fireworks period please consider pheromone/supplement/medicinal management. This is something that we can help provide but will need to be discussed on a case by case basis so please give us a call on 01623 579579 if you would like to discuss this option for your pet.
