Our Tips To Keep Your Pet Calm On Bonfire Night
It’s not long now to Bonfire Night on 5th November – and plenty of people will be celebrating with bonfires and fireworks this weekend as well.
Lots of pets get anxious about fireworks – and some can be very frightened indeed, both from the noise – and the sight of fireworks going off.
If your pet is one of them, here are our top tips for a stress free fireworks period:
Dogs
Your dog will be happiest in a safe den, which could be made from a dog pen or crate, ideally with a blanket over the top, so it feels protected.
You want to make it all as cosy as possible, with plenty of blankets your dog is familiar with – your dog may want to almost “dig” a burrow in the blankets. It’s good to put food and water inside the den too (especially if you will be shutting the door).
Cats
Cats also feel safer in a hiding place, so make sure they have access to somewhere they like and consider putting a basket or extra blanket there to encourage them.
It’s important that they have easy access from the hiding place to their food and water, plus their litter tray, especially if they are likely to stay there most of the time for several days, which is common.
Outdoor cats are best brought in for a few days – if so, make sure your cat gets used to using a litter tray indoors in advance.
Rabbits and other small furry pets
If you can, do bring rabbits and other pets indoors. If not a shed or garage is a good option – you can add a blanket over their cage to help muffle the sounds.
Calming products
There are some excellent calming products available. Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are some of the best known – they release pheromes, which are naturally produced by the animals, into the atmosphere.
Sprays are available but for fireworks season, the best option is a diffuser which can be plugged into an ordinary plus socket, ideally at least a week before fireworks start.
Giving your dog a chew can also be a useful distraction.
Your house
Do make sure the curtains are drawn early in the room where your pets are staying, to reduce the light effects and help keep the noise down.
Of course check the windows are shut too – you don’t want a frightened cat escaping.
Distraction
With dogs especially, plenty of daytime walks through this period will ensure they are a bit tired by evening – and it may be good to keep them distracted with a training session in the evening too.
Finally do remember to stay positive and calm yourself – all pets will pick up on your own energy and especially so if they are feeling sensitive and anxious during this time.
Enjoy your bonfire night celebrations!
As ever, if you have any worries about your pets or would like to stock up on calming products, please Call Us on 01435 864422.
Heathfield Vets – Quality Care with a Friendly Face
