Watch out for your pets as fireworks are going off

AS Brits across the UK look forward to busy New Year’s Eve celebrations, many pet owners may find themselves more stressed than excited by the prospect.

Vet charity PDSA is urging owners to take preventive action – especially those who took on a pet during the pandemic – in a bid to reduce the extreme distress and suffering that fireworks can cause for many of our four-legged friends.

Our pets’ enhanced senses mean they can find the loud noises and bright flashes from fireworks overwhelming, which can lead to severe anxiety and trauma.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “The firework season may be an especially difficult time for pups who were raised during lockdown – our 2021 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) report shows that 15 per cent of UK dogs (139,000) obtained during the pandemic are showing signs of fear. One well recognised fear in dogs is noise phobias, and our previous research reports that 40% of dogs are afraid of fireworks. Of those dogs owned before the pandemic, our research revealed 3% of dogs (260,000) were reported as showing signs of fear, so it’s unknown what the impact will be come New Year”.

PDSA’S top tips on tackling fireworks phobias include:

1. Start early - The earlier you can start your pre-fireworks prep, the better.

2. Secure your garden - Secure your home and garden in advance, as fearful furry friends may panic and scarper.

3. Set up a hideaway - Create a ‘den’ in a quiet room or cupboard, which your pet can use as a safe space to hide in.

4. Create calm vibes - Using pheromone products can help anxious pets, as the scents they release provide a calming effect to relax a stressed pooch or puss.

5. Speak to your vet - If you’re concerned your pet has a severe phobia of fireworks, it’s best to speak to an expert.

For more information on how to prepare your pet for New Year’s Eve visit www.pdsa.org.uk/

NEW Year’s Eve is with us and revellers will be getting ready later to put the challenging year that has been 2021 behind them for good.

It is a case of out with the old and in with the new, with hopes of a better 2022 after a year of Covidrelated restrictions.

However, those planning on going out to celebrate tonight still need to heed advice from the Government and follow rules to help them stay safe.

The Government announced earlier this week that no new Covid restrictions would be imposed in England before 2022.

However, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said people should “remain cautious” when taking part in New Year’s celebrations and take a lateral flow test before attending events. Boris Johnson echoed his advice, adding that people should get their first, second or booster Covid jabs to ensure they and their loved ones were protected.

Mr Javid did not rule out the possibility of further measures being taken in January, adding that the Government “will see” whether the data suggests they are needed.

Here is what you need to know: If you test positive for Covid-19, you need to isolate at home for seven days, and you need two negative lateral flow tests, on day six and day seven, to leave.

Unless you work in the hospitality sector or your job requires you to head elsewhere, you should be working from home wherever possible.

Face mask rules apply to most indoor settings but are not needed in places such as restaurants, bars and pubs, as well as shisha bars and cafes, nightclubs, dance halls and discotheques. However, it is recommended to continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet.

People are also being told to download Covid passes if they are attending large-scale events.

You should also ensure that you wash your hands regularly and use sanitiser.