With Bonfire Night around the corner, vets have issued a warning to pet owners after a survey revealed at least 75% of pets are frightened of fireworks.
The ‘Firework Season’ typically lasts a few weeks around Bonfire Night, but now pets can face months of stress from Halloween until New Year.
To help owners and pets cope with the events over the next few months, vets have put together a guide on how to deal with anxious pets.
“The loud bangs, whizzing and bright lights of fireworks are one of the biggest causes of stressed pets at this time of year, but it is by no means the only one,” said Dr Huw Stacey, vet and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, who carried out the survey.
Loud noises, strangers knocking at the door and even a crowded home can make pets worry, meaning Halloween, Christmas and winter parties can make pets really anxious and stressed.
Classic signs of a pet being in distress include, a change in appetite, trying to escape the noise and in dogs also excessive barking, panting and drooling. Prevention is key and it’s important for pet owners to think about how they can reduce their pet’s anxiety ahead of any event that could potentially cause stress for their pet.
Owners can create a safe den in a secluded corner of the house, and surround it with blankets and other bedding to create a soundproofed place for your pet to retreat to.
Closing curtains and playing loud music can also help to protect pets from being frightened. Some pets can benefit from pheromone products, food supplements and medications.
Thankfully the survey also demonstrated we’re a nation of animal lovers, as more than 90% of owners admitted they have stayed at home with their pet this time of year, particularly when fireworks are set off.
Cats, dogs and other pets’ hearing is a lot more sensitive than humans and with firework noise reaching up to 150 decibels, which is as loud as a jet engine, it’s not surprising pets find this distressing.
Reports of missing pets can rise across the firework season, with 70% of cat owners noticing their cat hides away from loud noises and crowds of people. Cats tend to hunker down and sit out unusual noises and situations, but this can get them into unintended trouble.
If they’re outside or can escape through a cat flap, some will run away and get lost, while others will find sanctuary in open garages and sheds, which leads to them being potentially locked in and unable to return home.
At this time of year, the best advice for cat owners is to keep their pet inside when it’s dark, so they’re in a safe environment and can avoid the dangers of outside, including fireworks and cars, and make sure they’re microchipped.”
But it’s not just cat and dogs as ta survey revealed 15% of goldfish lose their appetite at this time of year. Goldfish can hear quite well, particularly when sound waves hit their tank, but they’re not the only smaller pet that need support. Rabbits, mice, guinea pigs and hamsters can all be affected by strange noises and lights. Where possible rabbit owners should provide extra hay for them to create a safe and secure hiding place. Outdoor hutches can be draped with blankets to provide some soundproofing.
We all love a good party or celebration, whether that’s by watching fireworks, dressing up as ghosts or enjoying Christmas gatherings, but before they start we’d encourage pet owners to make sure their pet is in a safe, warm place, away from any potential stress inducing activity.
Even simple things such as not reacting to fireworks and turning on the radio or TV to drown out noise are all ways to help anxious pets. For further information on keeping pets calm during Bonfire Night, please visit www.vets4pets.com/fireworks.
