Are you prepared?
Fireworks are fast becoming a regular feature of Autumn here in the UK. It used to be just a night or two around Bonfire Night but increasingly we are seeing fireworks used to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Diwali, or sometimes just a Tuesday in October.
Although fireworks are exciting for us, our pets can find them really scary. If you know your pet is scared of fireworks, or if you have a new pet that you want to help cope then read on for some top tips to make sure you’re prepared.
Some of the suggestions below take at least several weeks to start to work so you’ll want to start preparing now
Desensitisation
Fireworks aren’t going to go away, so wouldn’t it be great if we could help our pets learn to deal with them?
Well, you can. There are CDs, downloadable tracks or YouTube videos that you can use to help your pets gradually get used to the sound of fireworks.
The key is to start EARLY (this may take months) and start QUIET.
Play the sounds for a little while each day, starting with the volume really low and gradually increasing the volume and time you play the sounds for.
If your pet seems worried then stop; try again the next day with the volume a bit lower.
Calming Plug-ins and Sprays
These are diffuser-type plug-ins and sprays that you can use in the house or in and around your pet’s resting areas to help them feel safe and calm.
Some products contain a man-made version of a natural pheromone: a chemical messenger that helps pets feel safe and secure.
There are different versions for dogs and cats. Other products use essential oils and herbs that have been shown to have a calming effect.
Although these products will start to have some effect right away, they need to be plugged in and working for a few weeks before they have their maximum effect.
Have a chat to the your Vet team to decide which products are most appropriate for your pet.
Calming Supplements
Similar to the plug-ins and sprays, you can get tablets or chews to give your pet that can help to reduce anxiety and stress. These generally contain a combination of calming herbs or proteins.
Some products are designed to be given daily over a period of weeks or months, while others are given as a one-off when a stressful event is anticipated.
Prescription Medication
Some pets are so worried around fireworks that plug-ins and supplements on their own just aren’t enough. These pets are still in panic mode. For these guys, we have a few options of sedative type medications to help them.
When used at the correct dose and under the direction of a vet these drugs are safe, predictable, and can actually help stop firework phobias getting worse.
In the old days vets used to use drugs like ACP for firework phobias, and we still get some clients asking for ACP.
Research has now shown that ACP can actually make noise phobias worse because it acts as a sort of chemical straitjacket.
Your pet can still hear the fireworks and their brain is still in panic mode, but the ACP immobilises them so they can’t react. They look calm and relaxed, but on the inside they’re actually terrified.
If you’ve used ACP in the past, or feel like your dog needs more support than the plug-ins and supplements can provide, please speak to your vet today.
They can find the safest and most effective option for your pet. Again, some of these drugs take a little while to build up in the system, so the earlier you come in to see us the better.
A Safe Spot
Even if you’ve desensitised your pet for months, you’ve got a diffuser in every plug, and maybe
even got some prescription medication from your vet, you’ll still want to make your pet feel as
safe as possible. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure they’ve got a bolt hole or a
den to hide in.
- You can use your dog’s crate, or a snuggly quiet corner to create a den with layers of
blankets, cushions and soft toys. - Make sure that your cat has a hidey-hole to snuggle into. This may be a favourite place in
the back of the wardrobe or under the bed. Again, insulate it with blankets or cushions to
muffle the sounds and light from any nearby fireworks. - If you have outdoor rabbits or guinea pigs consider bringing them inside around firework
season. Also make sure they have extra bedding to burrow into and places to hide. Blankets
over the cage can be useful here too to keep things quiet and dark. - Whatever type of pet you have, try and give them something to distract them from the
sounds: give your dog a frozen Kong toy and scatter some treats for him to search for, try
and engage your cat with some toys. Give your rabbits and guinea pigs extra toys or hide
fruit and veg around their cage for them to find.
Be a bit Anti-social
When it comes to fireworks it’s the sound and the flashes of light that make our pets scared.
- So close your curtains and blinds.
- Keep your indoor lights on.
- Turn on the radio or television to help drown out the sound of fireworks.
- Make sure that someone stays in with your pet. They’ll feel better with you there, and if they are panicking, you’ll be there to help them.
A few other tips…
- Take your dog out for his evening walk before it gets dark, and keep him on his lead. Even if
your dog seems OK with fireworks he may try and bolt if one goes off unexpectedly. - Keep your cat indoors. If your cat usually goes outdoors then keep her in at night during
firework season to avoid her getting injured or bolting and getting lost. When she comes in
for dinner lock the cat flap so she can’t go back out again. - Make sure your microchip is working and details are up to date. Even if you’ve thought of
everything, sometimes things go wrong and your pet may panic and bolt. If that happens
you want to be sure that her microchip can get her back to you.
Firework season can be a big source of anxiety for our pets and for us, worrying about how they’ll react.
There are loads of things you can do to help and there are lots of ways your vet team can help support you and your pet.
The main message is be prepared-come see us early so we can get things in place sooner rather than later.
You’ll feel better and so will your pet!
