Firework Fear

Ideally prevention of a sound fear should occur with a young pet during the socialisation phase to ensure they cope appropriately.

We would like to share with you some tips on how to help your pets during this period.

Always keep your pets indoors, especially cats, dogs should be walked early on in the day to get rid of some energy so they can settle better in the evening.

Pets should never be left alone, this will only increase the level of anxiety and fear.

We would highly recommend that your pet is microchipped if not already, just in case they managed to get out of the house.

Keeping the general mood of the house should be normal and calm, or as normal as possible, animals can sense our emotions and pic up on our actions, therefore if we are anxious or stressed, or something doesn’t seem right, it will only reassure the animal that there is something to be worried about.

Never punish your pet for being scared, it will only make the situation worse, if your pet approaches you for support, then of course be supportive without being too over the top, we know it’s the hardest thing not to pick them up and cuddle them, but there is a fine line of offering support and telling them its ok to be scared, a stroke on the head or along the back will be enough.

Building a den is a great idea, but ideally it should be prepared a few weeks before, so your pet associates it with being a safe place, place some treats in there every now and again to encourage use, once your pets start using the den, make sure not to disturb them too often.

Cats love cardboard boxes and also love being high, so a box or an igloo type bed up on top of a wardrobe is ideal. If your pet already has a favourite safe place then that can be used, just add more blankets to make it nice and cosy.

For the house, close all the blinds and or curtains, close the windows, this will help drown out the noise, and keep the television or radio on for noise distraction.

If your pet is dealing with the noise relatively good, only start playing with them, once they are calm.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and ferrets are less likely to show fear, however this does not mean that they are not scared, therefore being indoors is better, or move them into a garage or an outhouse. If this is not possible then a thick duvet to partly cover the cage, always making sure there is adequate ventilation, this will help muffle the noise somewhat and reduce the flashing lights. Extra bedding and even a cardboard box to allow them to burrow will also make a bid difference, and remember to check on them at regular intervals.

Always check your gardens for spent stray fireworks, before letting your pets out.

The use of pheromones can help in these circumstances, just give us a call and we can guide you through the products available.