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Caring for pets during Bonfire Night & fireworks

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 | Posted by Andrew Read at 5:54 pm

Bonfire Night may be great fun for the family, but it can be a frightening time for our pets.  The sudden explosive sounds can cause real anxiety and fear in our animals.

There are however things that we can do that can minimise their anxiety. Neston’s local pet care specialist, Jim Furlong of Petpals (Wirral West), offers some advice on how to help get our pets through this stressful time.

“There is no doubt that Bonfire Night can be an ordeal for our animals. They are often very stressed by the sound of the fireworks. To minimise their upset, I would suggest a few things we can do:

  • Bring your pets indoors and draw the curtains to keep them as safe as possible during Bonfire Night.
  • Create a favourite den for your pets. Encourage them to go there by placing healthy food treats there, by putting their favourite toy or favourite blanket there. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure.
  • If your dog or cat hides during the fireworks you should try to ignore them, by fussing over them you can cause more stress.
  • During Bonfire night play music or switch on the television to drown out noise from fireworks.
  • At some vets you can purchase a simple plug-in diffuser that disperses a dog/cat appeasing pheromone into the room. The pheromone reassures the animal and naturally calms them down. You should aim to plug in the diffuser a week before Bonfire Night, so the pheromone has time to build up to significant levels and ensures the pets are as relaxed as possible.
  • If your pet is not microchipped, make sure they have a collar or tag, in case they run away.
  • Give your dog plenty of exercise during the day to ensure it is tired and ready to sleep in the evening.
  • We must not forget our small pets, such as rabbits or guinea pigs. They can become very stressed by loud noises. If they live outside, bring them indoors or into the garden shed.

If we can follow some of these steps, hopefully our pets can get through Bonfire Night with the minimum of stress.”

Petpals (Wirral West) delivers high quality and professional pet services for all your pet care needs. These services include pet home visits, dog walking, cat sitting, dog sitting, dog visits, dog and small animal boarding – all with the aim of providing your pets with the same love and affection they receive from you. It is a particularly popular alternative to catteries and kennels.

Original article posted at http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Cheshire/Neston/CH64/News/Local-News/177824-Caring-for-pets-during-Bonfire-Night

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Fireworks – Pet Safety – Keeping your pets safe

Friday, October 9th, 2009 | Posted by Tracey at 12:34 pm

Protect pets when fireworks are around by following the Pet Firework Code!

www.petfireworkfear.co.uk

Cats

  • Keep cats indoors.
  • Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise.
  • Leave cats to take refuge in a corner if they wish. Do not try to tempt them out as this could cause more stress.
  • Make sure cats are micro-chipped to ensure they can be returned if they escape and become lost.

Dogs

  • Exercise dogs during the day.
  • Never walk dogs while fireworks are being let off.
  • As with cats, keep dogs indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.
  • Let dogs hide if they want to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.
  • Make sure dogs are wearing a collar and tag and are micro-chipped in case they bolt and become lost.

To further minimise distress, ask your vet about a dog appeasing pheromone. This is a synthetic version of a chemical produced by a bitch shortly after she has given birth. The pheromone reassures newborn puppies and naturally calms them down. Scientists have discovered it also helps calm older dogs as well.

A simple plug-in diffuser that disperses the chemical into the room is available at most veterinary practices or on-line.

It is safe and easy to use.

Dogs that are particularly prone to becoming very distressed, discuss with your vet the possibility of using a sedatives. Remember, these should be given before the firework noise begins to allow them to take effect.

Small animals
Rabbits and guinea pigs and other small animals living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noises. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection.

Horses
Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured. Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled while fireworks are being let off. Make sure fireworks are not in view by closing the stable door.

Bonfires
Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl into them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.

Always clear up after a fireworks party – litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

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