Is Your Pet Scared Of Fireworks?

 

Fireworks can be terrifying for both dogs and cats, although it is a common fear different pets can react in different ways. Some show many outward signs, other suffer in relative silence. It is important for pet owners to understand signs of stress in their pets.

 

 

A big problem for cats during the fireworks season is the changes to the environment or routine which may make it difficult for them to outside as much as normal.

 

Helping your pet to cope

Build a den – for your pet. Somewhere small and dark, cover with blankets, leaving only a small entrance hole. Teach your dog or cat to use this den in advance by encouraging them to go there to rest, hide chews and treats inside to help temp them inside.

 

Act normal – pets will quickly pick up on your anxiety.

 

ID – check your cat and dogs id tags and microchip contact information – is your phone number still the same?

 

Turn up the volume – on your t.v or radio to help dim the noise.

 

Lock the cat flap – and close all of your windows.

 

New toys and treats – will act as a great distraction.

 

Provide a litter tray – for your cat. Keep it cleaned regularly, away from their food and have at least one tray per cat and one spare.

 

 

 

73% of owners say they have a pet who’s scared of fireworks – Zylkenepet.co.uk

Up to 50% of dogs may be affected by fea of fireworks – adaptil.com

Cats like routine and a quiet environment, unexpected noises will upset a cat – Feliway.com

Nutracalm supplement’s are available at all four of our surgeries, for both cats and dogs. Specifically formulated to naturally calm anxious pets and to reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour in dogs and cats. Benefits can be seen within 2 hours and it is easy to administer, the capsules can either be given whole by mouth or sprinkled on food.

 

For cats – Feliway Pheromone support is offered in a plug in diffuser or a spray to use as required around your home. The pheromones are a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone that a cat releases when marking their environment as safe by rubbing their face against objects. It is clinically proven to help prevent or reduce stress- related behaviours and help cats adjust to their enviroment.

 

Zylkene a calming supplement that can help your pets cope during the festivities around fireworks season. Start at least 3 days before the expected events and continue throughout the fireworks season. Zylkene contains a natural ingredient dervied from casein, a protein in milk. Zylkene is easy to give to your pets and has no side effects, promoting pet relaxation.

 

For dogs – Adaptil contains a synthetic copy of the dog Appeasing Pheromone which a mother releases to her litter in order to naturally reassure and calm her puppies. Adaptil can be used as a plug in, (great if you have more than one dog), a collar for the individual dog and a spray to use as required around your home and in your doggy den.

 

 

 

For the more nervous canines, we can offer a fast acting Prescription Only Gel that can be given in the comfort of your own home, tailored to the timing and duration of the events happening outside. The gel is simple to administer and can be used as part of an existing caning behaviour programme.

 

Every year our surgeries receive phone calls from concerned owners, who are worried about their pets anxiety. We have different options available to suit the individual cases, so please don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team to discuss how we can help your pet. The most important thing to remember is to Be Prepared! Pets can learn to be at ease with loud noises if they are gradually accustomed to them, particularly if you start your training as a puppy. Expose your pet gradually to the recording of fireworks and other loud noises. At first play them quietly in the background as you go about your daily routine, and gradually increase the volume over a period of weeks, taking care not to scare them, Frequency is key. The more sights and sounds you expose your dog to the easier they will find accepting them as part of life and they will worry less at celebration time. Gradually introducing the sound tracks over a period or months will also be a lot less stressful for your pet.

 

Please don’t forget your outdoor pets too! Both rabbits and guinea pigs can get extremely stressed during the fireworks season too! If it is possible move their cage into your home (in the coolest room) or into your garage. Again, you can leave your t.v or radio on to help drown out some of the sounds. If it is not possible to bring your pet inside use old blankets and / or rugs to cover their cages to reduce the noise and ensure they have extra bedding to snuggle into if they are scared.