Image: Robert Larsson via Unsplash
Most of us love to see a fireworks display lighting up the night sky in a burst of pretty colours. However, the loud bangs and crackles that come with each fireworks burst can be very stressful and scary for our animals. As we enter the fireworks season, it is important to think of your pets and how this noisy time can potentially unsettle and distress them.
We highly recommend speaking to one of our vets BEFORE the fireworks season starts so we can advise on how best to manage your pet’s needs during this time. We can also potentially help in a variety of ways; be it changes in your pet’s environment and routine or pet calming remedies.
Here are a few tips that may help:
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 the radio or TV on loud as a distraction; try to do this before the fireworks start.
Walk your pet earlier and for longer to try and tire them out.
Avoid walking your dog in the evening when fireworks are being 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 sleepier).
Do not acknowledge your pet’s fearful behaviour. Stay calm and show your pet there is nothing to fear. 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.
Buy a calming plug-in diffuser. We use Pet Remedy. You can also buy some calming wipes.
To help you manage your pet during the firework season, Coquet Vets is once again running a ‘Fireworks and Pets’ promotion. This will include a consultation with one of our vets for a health check and to discuss your pet’s specific needs during the fireworks season for just £25. Appointments are available from 1st October 2024 until 31st December 2024. Find out more here.
Call us on 01665 252 250 to book an appointment for your pet before the fireworks season starts.
