As a nation, we generally love a bright & explosive firework display to light up the dark sky in celebration. However, unfortunately, this can cause great distress to many of our beloved pets and local wildlife. Our pets’ senses are much more sensitive than ours; loud bangs, flashing lights, high pitch sounds and unfamiliar smells can be quite unsettling for our fur friends.
Approaching Bonfire night and New Year celebrations, we are going to look at the effects fireworks may have on our pets and how to help them stay a little calmer during these periods.
Look out for these symptoms of fear:
• Hiding behind furniture
• Trembling & shaking
• Pacing & panting
• Attempting to run away
• Excessive barking
• Destructive behaviour e.g. destroying furniture
• Clinging to owners
• Going to the toilet indoors
• Loss of appetite
Preparation: If you have a young pet… socialisation with common sounds and sights will help them grow up to be more calm & confident. Examples are walking in lively parks with other pets and people, listening music/TV sounds and walking on pavements where traffic sounds can be heard. Specific sounds, like fireworks, can be played to your pet in a safe & calm environment; this will help when the real exposure occurs.
If your pet already has a fear… you can try and desensitise them with specific sounds. Start with low volumes for a short period and then gradually increase the volume and duration each day over a few weeks. Make sure to reward & praise calm behaviour, and if your pet is showing signs of anxiety- stop, slow it down and try a more gentle approach. The progression should be slow and your pet must be calm.
Tips for when there are fireworks:
1. Build a den.
2. Keep pets inside.
3. Play music and keeps lights on.
4. Close blinds/curtains.
5. Walk in the day light before fireworks are set off.
6. Follow their lead- assess if they need space or a cuddle
7. Use of pheromones plug-ins.
8. In severe cases, anti-anxiety medications may be available from your GP Vet.