Keeping pets safe on Fireworks’ Night
As we head into fireworks season, we ask an expert for advice on how to keep our pets calm and take a look at the growing pressure to change the law on fireworks
Bonfire Night has always been a challenging time for pets and their owners, with 45 per cent of all UK dogs – as well as thousands of cats, rabbits and other animals – distressed by fireworks. But nowadays as the bangs and rockets begin way before November 5, and sometimes go on right up to Christmas, fireworks are becoming an increasing problem. But what can you do to help?
We asked Claire Stallard, an animal behaviour expert for Blue Cross, to share the latest thinking on how to keep pets safe and calm.
“It all starts with controlling the environment they’re in to make it as comforting and relaxing as possible,” says Claire, “Close the curtains and blinds to shut out noise and allow them access to areas they perceive to be safe.” For cats, this might mean going up high on top of kitchen cupboards or into a tight space, so you might consider leaving out cardboard boxes for them to hide in – ideally with a towel thrown over to shut out even more noise.
“Once they’ve found their hiding place, check on them once and then leave them be as coming back to them may make them more stressed,” she says.
As for dogs, the advice has recently changed on how to approach them. “We used to say don’t touch or cuddle your dog if they’re scared as it’ll reinforce their fears but we’ve since found that’s not the case.
“Now we’d encourage you to be led by what your dog wants to do; if they want to hide, let them do that but if they come to you, stroke, cuddle or talk to them to give reassurance.” In fact, making sure you keep a totally relaxed mood, avoiding getting cross if they mess or behave badly as a result of being scared, is one of the best ways to help them chill as they will feed off your emotions.
Classical music is another recent idea for how to soothe animals and last year, Classic FM launched the first-ever radio show for pets over the fireworks period, led by a study that revealed music has a calming effect on stressed dogs.
Claire also likes to use pheromone plug-ins, widely available from pet shops, which release chemicals to reduce anxiety in animals.
If your pet is experiencing extreme distress Claire recommends a visit to the vet. “In some cases a shortterm prescription of antianxiety pills can be the only thing to make a difference.”
Finally, she recommends keeping your pet inside when fireworks are expected, taking dogs for a walk well before evening and giving cats a litter tray so they don’t need to go out, as well as checking they have an up-to-date microchip should they get out.