Bang and a whimper
IT’S THAT Time of year. Just as the clocks are about to go back it arrives, with a bang, it’s firework season. With Halloween and Bonfire and Diwali coming up the night sky is about to be filled with flashes and bangs. No sooner have they died down than they are back for New Years Eve and Chinese New Year.
Personally, I love a firework but I’m not small and fluffy and I understand what is going on. For animals – domestic pets, strays and even farm animals – fireworks can be terrifying. Please don’t ignore the problem – follow our top tips and make fireworks celebrations less frightening for your pets.
Give your dog or cat somewhere inside your home to hide that they can have access to at all times (eg under furniture or in a cupboard)
Walk dogs during daylight hours. Keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
At nightfall close windows and curtains. Put on some music to mask the sound of fireworks.
Ignore your pets signs of fear. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves.
Never punish or fuss over your pet when they are scared, this will only make things worse over the long run.
Make sure your pet can’t escape if there is a sudden noise. Have them microchipped just in case.
Help your dog
Planning can help your dog cope with the fireworks season.
Close any windows and black out a ‘doggy play area’ so your dog can’t see the flashing lights
Before fireworks begin move your dog to the doggy play area with all their favourite toys.
Ignore the fireworks yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them.
If your dog has a doggy friend that isn’t scared of fireworks keep them together, your dog may be comforted by them.
Just for cats
Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide if they want to (for example this may be under some furniture or in a quiet corner.
Don’t try and tempt your cat out as this will cause them to become more stressed.
Don’t forget your small animals
If your pets live outside, partially cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure though your pet is still able to look out. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow into.
Visit www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks
■ If you think you could offer a forever home to any of the cats and kittens we currently have in our care then please call (020) 8966 9688 or email info@rspcamiddlesex.org.uk
You can see pictures of many of the other animals (budgies, rats, rabbits, cats & kittens) in our care on our Facebook page.