Keep pets safe, Guys
Owners are urged to take extra steps to keep pets calm this week as more people resort to home bonfires and fireworks. Public displays are banned and, in a double blow, many owners who bought pups in lockdown face their first Guy Fawkes Night.
Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at the Dogs Trust, said: “For many dogs and their owners, firework season is always one they dread.
“This year, owners have the added worry more fireworks will be set off in the neighbourhood.
“Dogs have four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the cracks, bangs and brightness of fireworks can terrify them and have a lasting impact. We urge anyone putting on a display to follow our Firework Dog Code.”
Jenna advises owners to: walk dogs and give them a loo break before dark; feed pets before fireworks start; ensure the house and garden is secure as fear may make a dog try to flee; provide a safe hiding place; close curtains, turn lights on and turn up the TV or radio to drown out external noise.