Looking after our pets this firework season
As a nation of pet lovers, many of us will be worried about our furry friends this fireworks season.
We all love to celebrate and fireworks can be fun, but loud bangs, smoke, fire and flashes can be scary for our pets - they can cause stress, anxiety, and even aggression in pets and some animals hearing can be up to 10 times louder than ours.
Consider buying low noise/no noise fireworks.
Keep reading for tips on preparing your pet for fireworks weekend:
- Invest in a pheromone diffuser - these can help ease pet stress
- Walk dogs early - head out early to avoid noise and keep them on a lead
- Keep outdoor cats inside
- Create a safe space for your pet and provide plenty of hiding spaces
- Close windows, curtains, and blinds
- Turn up the radio or TV
- Consider bringing rabbit/guinea pig hutches indoors
- Give rabbits/guinea pigs extra bedding - they tend to burrow when they get scared, and this will help them feel protected
- Stay at home with your pets
- Give them a treat or two and entertain them with their favourite toys
- Make sure they are microchipped - just in case they bolt
- Make sure your dog is always wearing a collar and tag
- Act normally - don't acknowledge the fireworks
Some useful website links:
Desensitising Dogs & Cats to Fireworks and Loud Noises | Medivet (medivetgroup.com)
How To Help Dogs with Fireworks | Fireworks & Pets | Vets4Pets