A VETERINARIAN in Reading is sharing its advice with pet owners to help keep them comfortable and calm during firework season.
Harrison Family Vets has released the advice it offers pet owners ahead of bonfire night to help alleviate the stress which can come with fireworks.
Keeping your pets indoors and closing the curtains when it’s dark outside will greatly reduce their exposure to fireworks, and turning the volume up on the television or radio can counter the effect of noises outside.
Distractions such as new toys and chews can also help.
Try to stay in with your pet during the fireworks season but remember to act normally around them, and create safe places or dens in your home where your pets can hide and feel secure.
Ear defenders for cats and dogs are available that work by muffling loud sounds and vibrations.
For pets living outside, if it’s not possible to move them indoors, their pens should be partly covered with blankets which will help to sound-proof them and block out some of the flashes.
James Harris, Group Clinical Director from Harrison Family Vets, said: “Bonfire Night and fireworks, with their bangs and flashes, can, in some pets, cause a very distressing feeling of anxiety and fear.
“Sadly, firework season seems to get worse every year, no longer restricted to Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
“They have become so popular at weddings and other events that for those affected pets and their human family it seems to go on forever.”
Jamed added: “When a pet is scared, owners should remain calm and act normally to show there is nothing to be afraid of.
“In many cases, comforting and consoling pets can make the problem worse because it’s a reward for the pet, so they think their fearful behaviour is the correct response.
“Downloading and playing firework sounds to desensitise pets to bangs and crackles is a great way of getting pets used to the noise, and most popular music and video streaming services have these available for free.
“There are also products available, such as Zenifel for cats or Zenidog and Adaptil for dogs that release natural pheromones to relax pets–however, where a pet has a major phobia of fireworks, prescribed medications are highly effective.
“These anti-anxiety treatments can be used for just one day to deal with a specific event, such as fireworks or a thunderstorm, or for a few weeks to cover the season or even sadly for years in long term conditions.”
He explains: “Anxiety in pets is now a very common issue that we advise on, which is partly down to the fact that all our practices have been designed with nervous pets in mind.
“Our entire team are completing the coveted Fear Free Professional Accreditation, to significantly reduce stress for both pets and their owners. As a result of our expertise in this area, high numbers of owners of anxious pets have made us their practice of choice.
“Anyone concerned about their pet should speak to their vet about the options available, and they may also suggest certain behavioural modifications or training.”
More information about Harrison Family Vets, including its branch in Woodley, is available via: harrisonfamilyvets.co.uk
