Animal Rights,  Featured,  Lifestyle

Keeping Pets Calm During Firework Season

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For cats and dogs

  • Make sure your pet has somewhere safe they can go to and hide in if they want to.
  • Make sure they are in a secure environment in case they become startled and run off, getting themselves into an unsafe situation.
  • Keep cats and dogs inside when fireworks are taking place.
  • Take your dog for a walk in daylight as there is a much lesser chance of fireworks being set off.
  • Make sure your pet has plenty of exercise during the day.
  • Close cat flaps and doggy flaps.

For small pets

  • Make sure your small pet, i.e. hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs etc. feel safe in their hutches.
  • Provide extra bedding so that they can burrow down to feel more safe and secure.
  • Consider bringing pets that usually live outdoors indoors.
  • If your pets are staying outdoors, partly cover the enclosure with a thick blanket to reduce noise.

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For dogs

  • Pheromone diffusers help some dogs keep calm during fireworks and even other stressful situations.
  • They work by dispersing calming chemicals into the room.
  • The chemicals act as signals, transferring information to tell your doggy to keep calm and that they are safe.
  • Sound therapy is another option for dogs.

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For cats and dogs

  • Close windows and curtains in the evening.
  • Put soft music on to cover the sound of scary fireworks.
  • Use sounds such as the television and radio if your pets are used to this kind of noise.
  • Provide toys and other things your cat or dog enjoys.
  • Don’t leave your pet alone, offer to play with them but don’t push them to.
  • Ignore the firework noises yourself.
  • Give your pet cuddles and strokes if it makes them feel better but do not force them to if they feel safe and cosier hidden away somewhere secure.

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If you are having fireworks yourself please be aware of both pets and wild animals!

  • Use low noise fireworks as they will be less stressful for pets.
  • Keep away from fields with animals in them.
  • Let nearby pet owners and animal farmers know in advance if your having a display, if you can.
  • Firework litter can be really harmful to wildlife and the environment. Clean up any debris that you leave behind. Fireworks shower toxic chemicals into the ground.
  • Bonfires are extremely harmful to wild animals! Piles of leaves and twigs look like inviting homes to hedgehogs and rodents as well as other wildlife.
  • If you are going to have a bonfire, check very thoroughly to make sure they are no animals in the area – be especially careful to look for hibernating animals as they will be harder to see.

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  • Never leave your dog tied up outside a shop.
  • Never punish your pets for being scared.
  • If your pet needs extra care, seek veterinary help at least 6-12 weeks before the season starts.

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