Tips for keeping your pets safe and calm during fireworks season

Guy Fawkes and Diwali in early November involve a festive and very celebratory time for many as beautiful lights, delicious snacks, family and friends are the order of the day.

However, this is also a time when fireworks are allowed to be enjoyed during those evenings.

The sad reality is that animals do not enjoy this time of the year and can suffer from terrible stress, fear and anxiety as a result of the very loud sounds caused by the fireworks as some pets are more sensitive to noise than others.

Fortunately there are ways to ensure your pet is less stressed out, and as a pet owner you need to be prepared well in advance, at least a few weeks prior.

Canine & Co has shared some tips and products that will help pets be a bit more relaxed during these stress-ridden times.

Here are their tips for keeping your pets safe and calm during the fireworks season:

• Exercise your dogs early in the day and ensure they are kept inside in a safe place where they cannot escape if frightened by sudden loud noises.

• Keep the windows closed and curtains drawn, and turn on a radio or television to help mask the sound of fireworks.

• If they have to be let out into the garden after dark, it is best to place them on a lead and keep the outing brief. You may need to consider providing a litter tray so that your cat has a choice about whether to go out or not.

• Ensure there is a safe place for your pet to hide as this is a natural survival instinct. Ideally this would need to be a place where the noise is minimised, but your pet may already have a favourite hiding place that you should make available and comfortable for this time. Never try to lure your pets out if they retreat to this place during the fireworks; wait until they are ready.

• Some pets feel more secure if they can sit with you.

• Try not to react to the fireworks yourself. If they frighten you, your pet will feel more alarmed. Try to act normally, and where possible, engage your pets in a favourite game, or reward them with treats just as the noises begin.

• Remember that wherever your pets are in the home, they will need access to fresh water. Anxious dogs often pant more and therefore may be thirstier than normal. Do not try to make your pets drink if they are fearful, just ensure access to water.

• Ensure that your pet is microchipped and the chipping company has a current address or phone number on their system.
Also ensure they are wearing a collar with an ID tag, just in case they accidentally escape. It will help to ensure you and your pet are reunited as quickly as possible.

• If your pet struggles to cope this year, do not leave it and hope that next year is better. Seek advice from an experienced professional as behaviour programmes can help your pets reduce their sensitivity to noises and prevent the fear from escalating into something much more severe.