Ease bonfire fright
FIREWORK counters are popping up in shops everywhere as the nation starts stocking up on sparklers and racking up rockets for bonfire night. I love a good firework display, but not all creatures share my enthusiasm. Bonfire night can be a terrifying experience for pets, livestock and wild animals.
According to the RSPCA, it’s estimated that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. And the amount of firework-related calls the charity receives has doubled since 2011.
Firework phobia is a treatable condition and vets may be able to offer advice or refer you to a professional clinical animal behaviourist.
In the meantime, there are lots of simple things you can do to help your pet deal with fireworks.
Here are the RSPCA’s top tips...
DOGS
■ Walk dogs during daylight hours when fireworks are less likely to be set off.
■ Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks. This will also mean your dog won’t be as frightened by flashing lights.
■ Put on the TV or some music to mask the firework sounds.
■ Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control.
■ Provide some hiding places around your home.
■ Build a dog safe den (visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/ pets/general/fireworks for a video about how to do this).
■ Ignore the fireworks yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in but don’t force it.
CATS
■ Provide hiding places in your home such as under furniture, in a cardboard box or a quiet corner. ■ Don’t try to tempt your cat out as this will make them more stressed.
■ Try to keep cats indoors.
■ Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside.
SMALL ANIMALS
■ Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden but allow another area for the animals to look out.
■ Provide bedding small animals can burrow in.
■ Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually so plan ahead.
It’s fine to comfort your pet if it helps them to relax and remember not to punish them when they are scared.
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FOR more advice, see rspca. org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/ general/fireworks