Fireworks are used for many a celebration from Bonfire Night to New Year’s Eve, and whilst we may love their bright lights showering across the sky our furry friends aren’t always so pleased!
To help keep your pets safe and well during the festivities, we’ve compiled five tips to prepare them before and during fireworks shows.
1. Create a cosy haven or hiding place
A cosy, quiet space full of all your pets’ favourite toys, blankets, bedding, and chews (especially long-lasting to see them through the night) or a nook for them to hide in make great places for them to seek refuge and feel safe in during Fireworks shows.
Moving them into this space in the evenings leading up to the fireworks puts them in a routine and trains them to associate the space with positive feelings and experiences so they can seek it out when stressed.
2. Exercise In The Morning
If you can, move your daily walk to during the day before it gets dark. This way they can be tucked up in their blankets by the time the fireworks start.
Avoid letting cats out during the evening by closing cat flaps and escape-proof your garden in case they get out somehow by ensuring holes in fences, or broken gate locks are fixed.
3. Cover & Distract
In the evening make sure to close all windows and put up your thickest curtains to muffle the loud sounds and hide the flashing lights. This will reduce the severity of their triggers.
Following this, distract their attention from the sounds outside with a pet-friendly playlist, soft music, radio or TV (make sure it’s nothing too frightening).
We especially recommend Classic FM’s Pet Classics playlist, research has suggested that Classical music is especially soothing for pets.
4. Remain calm
Try and remain calm and as unbothered by the fireworks as possible. Talk to and interact with your pets normally as though it’s just another day. This will help reduce their anxiety.
We know it’s tempting but try not to smother them and give them too much attention. Do allow them to feel your presence and know you are there if needed.
5. Consult a vet and try medications
In extreme cases, it may be time to contact a vet for medication and treatments to help with your pet’s anxiety.
Pheromone plug-in diffusers, which create a sense of calm in pets, are also available in speciality pet stores and online*.
*This is not guaranteed health advice.
If you have an anxious pet, we hope you find something helpful in these tips to help ease their fear around this time.
Happy Howlidays to you and your four-legged friends, we hope you can both enjoy the celebrations safe and happy.
Have some more tips of your own? Comment them below!
For more pet information and facts, check out the other news on Pets in a Pickle. To find out more about the range of policies, get in touch with the team today. Call them now on 0800 044 1111, or contact the team online here.
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