-
On the evenings you expect
fireworks ensure your pet is
safe indoors and secure
doors, windows and cat flaps
-
Make
sure your dog or cat is
microchipped. If they do
escape, frightened confused
animals can easily get lost
-
Ensure dogs are taken out to
toilet early in the evening
and cats are provided with a
litter tray
-
Draw curtains to reduce
outside noise and play music
or have the TV turned on to
help mask the noise of
fireworks
-
Ignore any fearful
behaviour. Do not try to
comfort your pet. The animal
will pick up on your anxiety
and this may make the
problem worse and/or fussing
a pet who appears frightened
can reward this negative
behaviour
-
Don’t punish your pet
either; this only confirms
that there was something to
be afraid of
-
If your pet hides in a
corner or under a bed, leave
it alone and do not try to
coax it out. This ‘bolthole’
is where the animal feels
most secure
-
Try not to go out during
such potentially upsetting
events. Seeing you acting
normally will help your pets
feel more settled
-
Speak to your vet about
using the synthetic
pheromones D.A.P. and/or
Feliway to help reassure
your dog and/or cat during
the fireworks season
-
If you are still worried or
if the pet takes a long time
to recover from the
experience contact Abbey
Veterinary Group for further
assistance or for referral
for behavioural therapy
