Many animals find fireworks scary, but there are lots of things you can do to make your pets feel safe.
Dogs:
- Walk them during the day before it gets dark to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off. If you are unable to do this keep your dog on-lead.
- Always keep dogs indoors when fireworks are being let off. Make sure they have been to the toilet before it gets dark.
- Close all of the windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. Put on the tv or music on to mask the firework sounds.
- Create a quiet space or a dog den where dogs can feel safe and in control. Crates with a big duvet in are ideal, but you can also create other hiding places around your home, the more choice the better.
- Speak to your vet about calming products. You may need to book an appointment a month or so in advance.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped and your information is up to date (this is required by law) so your dog can be returned to you if they are spooked and run off.
- It’s never a good idea to take your dog to a firework display. Even if they do not cry or try to break free, it doesn’t mean they are happy.
- Panting and yawning are both signs that indicate your dog is stressed. Dogs show they are stressed or worried in many different ways, some of these signs are panting excessively, drooling, shaking and yawing.
- Your dog is more likely to pace around when he is stressed, let him hide in the corner if he wants too and once he has found his safe place, do not disturb him.
- Stay calm, act normally, and give lots of praise for calm behaviour.
- Make sure you are stocked up with your pets favourite treats too!
Cats:
- Provide lots of hiding places in your home.
- Try to bring your outdoor cats inside as they can become more stressed outside during fireworks.
- Make sure your cat is microchipped incase they are startled and flee.
Small Animals:
- Partly cover outside hutches and pens with lots of blankets so an area is always sound proofed and hidden, allowing another area for the small animals to look out of.
- Provide lots of bedding that small animals can burrow into.
- Consider bringing them indoors for the evenings.
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