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Helping your pet stay calm during fireworks season
Canine and feline pheromone products can help relax your pet in strange or stressful situations. They’re available as a spray (great for around a den) or a plug-in diffuser. They’re best used a couple of weeks before fireworks start and can help to encourage your pet to relax. Can medication help?
HPC members benefit from 10% off pheromone products in practice
Increasingly popular at celebrations, fireworks can be very traumatic for our pets. For some pets the loud sudden noises, bright colours and flashing lights are scary but the fear is eased with some home remedies. For other pets the fear of fireworks is a sign of true noise phobia.
What if the noise phobia is severe?
Make sure outdoor cats are provided with a litter tray when kept inside overnight.
When fireworks do start, try and act as normal as possible.
Fear of loud noises can be specific to fireworks, but for some dogs this will extend to fear of gun shots, crow scarers and some traffic noise. Those truly affected dogs are at serious risk of self-injury during periods of fireworks, alongside potentially severe mental stress. Noise phobias are often deep rooted and can be difficult and time consuming to resolve. The majority are treatable but with patience and hard work. The most appropriate way to attempt treatment at home is by purchasing a noise desensitization CD. These are recordings of loud sounds such as fireworks. They should be played during daylight hours while the dog is relaxed, starting at a volume barely audible to human ears. Once the dog is paying no attention, the volume should be gradually increased until the dog is tolerating a high volume. This process can take months, so should be started in spring well in advance of bonfire night. If desensitization using a recording is not progressing, you should consult the advice of a specialist veterinary behaviourist. They will assess your individual circumstances and work with you to help. Your vet can put you in touch with a recommended professional in your area.
Make sure identity tags and microchip details are up to date so that if your pet does run off they’re able to be reunited with you.
Cats should be kept indoors.
Dogs should be walked before dark so they’re
Some simple changes around the house can help reduce stress for both dogs and cats How to help at home
home before any fireworks start.
Keep curtains drawn to block flashes of light and play the television or radio to cover some of the noise.
Small furries can be brought inside if they
Both dogs and cat may appreciate a den to hide in. A dog crate is ideal; cover with a thick blanket containing a comfy bed and one or two favourite toys.
have movable hutches. If this isn’t possible, cover their accommodation with blankets to dull the noise and provide plenty of hay for them to burrow into.
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