Fiona Pitchfork at Hull Vets for Pets has provided the five best tips to help pet owners prepare ahead of firework season.
It’s important to remember not everyone experiences firework displays in the same way, including our furry friends.
Fiona explains the signs you should look out for: “All pets are different and it’s important that you’re able to recognise what anxiety looks like for yours. Common signs to look out for include pacing and panting in dogs, hiding and hissing in cats, and stamping or a change of appetite in rabbits. For most pets, a fearful state usually starts with a watchful phase where they will be unusually alert.”
Fiona shares the five best tips your pet safe and calm during Bonfire Night:
1. If you know your pet is likely to be anxious, start planning early. Work out things like a comforting safe space in advance, if you use calming products make sure you have these in stock. If your pet has a severe noise phobia, seek advice from your vet before Fireworks night, they can discuss options with you that may include prescribing anxiety treatments tailored to each pet.
2. Distracting your pets can ease their anxiety. Try to muffle the sound of fireworks by turning on the TV or playing rhythmic music. To make this easier, Pets at Home has created multiple Spotify playlists, which have a range of genres to choose from, including reggae, soft rock and classical selections and make sure you download these in advance.
3. Hide the flashing lights as best you can by keeping windows, blinds and curtains closed. For rabbits and guinea pigs, it’s best to not bring them inside if they’re not used to it, as this could make them more anxious. Instead, provide them with lots of bedding to hide in and partly cover the hutch in blankets to help muffle the noise.
4. For cats, once they are safely inside, lock the cat flap and keep them indoors with access to a litter tray, or multiple trays if you have more than one cat. Create a safe haven in advance of firework season by using familiar toys and lots of bedding for them to burrow in, including a piece of clothing with your scent so that they’re comforted by the smell.
5. Once firework season is over, keep a close eye on your pet for several days afterwards. Check how much they are eating and drinking, and for cats, monitor how much they’re using their litter tray or going outside. If you are seeing signs of stress or fear and would like some support, the teams at Pets at Home or Vets for Pets will be able to help.