Take cover!

Den will calm pet over fireworks din

BONFIRE parties and fireworks spell stress for most pets – and can leave owners pretty frazzled too.

According to figures from the RSPCA, 45 per cent of dogs show signs of fear when they hear loud bangs.

And 65 per cent of owners feel anxious for their pet as the bangers go off.

But with Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night celebrations starting, planning can take the stress out of firework season. Here’s ten things you can do to help:

1. Create a safe den or hideaway, like this cat tent, right. Before fireworks night, put treats, toys and blankets there so pets associate it with positive experiences. The RSPCA’s Professor Daniel Mills said: “Dogs learn this place is safe and enjoyable. So when fireworks go off they may go there because they know no harm will come to them.”

2. Keep pets indoors. Cats should stay in and dogs walked in daylight.

3. Close curtains and play music or leave the TV on to muffle firework noise.

4. Protect small animals. If you have a bonfire, ensure no hedgehogs are hibernating in the leaves. Rabbits, guinea pigs or birds should be given extra bedding to burrow in and have an area of their cage or hutch covered with blankets.

5. Try letting pets smell essential oils – they can help to relax and soothe them. Use plug in pheromone diffusers. For dogs, try Adaptil and use Feliway for cats.

6. Try calming supplements in their food – like AniForte Calm & Relax.

7. Play with pets so they are tired and may sleep through the din.

8. Don’t punish a pet for reacting to noise – it will make things worse.

9. Speak to your vet if you feel unable to settle your pet and they may refer you to a behaviourist.

10. Download the RSPCA Sounds Scary therapy pack which includes recordings to help your pet be less afraid of noises in the long term. See

rspca.org.uk

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