Traditionally we never had to worry about fireworks unless it was the 5th of November. Times have now changed and fireworks events run from October into the New Year. Many of our pets consequently find this time of year very distressing and as owners we can feel at a loss as to how to manage them.

This year, especially, many large events have been cancelled due to Covid-19, so it is likely that many firework events will be carried out in people’s own back gardens, resulting in multiple simultaneous events closer to our pets.

Fortunately, there are a wide range of techniques and medications that we can provide to help keep your pets settled during this time. Here are a few tips that may help your pet to cope during the fireworks season:

• Maintain your normal routine as far as possible. Small changes may cause your pet extra apprehension and anxiety.

• Give your animal an area to hide. A cardboard box or crate with lots of blankets is ideal as this will muffle noise.

• Close your curtains and put up the volume on the radio or TV as a distraction. Try to do this before the fireworks start.

• Walk your pet earlier and walk them for longer to try and tire them out. Avoid walking your dog in the evening when fireworks are more likely to be set off.

• Keep cats and other small furries (rabbits/guinea pigs) indoors.

• Feed your pet a little bit extra (a bigger meal will make them more sleepy).

• Do not acknowledge your pet’s fearful behaviour. Stay calm and show your pet there is nothing to be scared of.

• Leave them to hide if this is what they want to do.

• Speak to one of our team about natural calming tablets, wipes, diffusers and spays that are available for both dogs and cats. In extreme cases prescription medications can be used.

To help you manage your pet during this time, Coquet Vets is running a ‘Fireworks and Pets Consultation’ promotion. This includes a consultation with one of our vets for a health check and to discuss your pet’s specific needs during the fireworks season. This consultation is just £20 and is available from now until the 31st December 2020.

As always, if this article has raised any questions or you want to book in your pet for the ‘Fireworks and Pets Consultation’, just contact us on 01665 252 250 or email us at info@coquetvets.co.uk.