Fireworks
Fear of fireworks can quickly become a serious phobia which an animal will experience for the rest of their life.
Having an awareness of how to identify fear of fireworks, and being able to manage this fear, will help
to prevent further development
of their phobias.
Signs of Fear and Distress
Dogs & Cats
- Trembling and shaking
- Cowering and hiding
- Pacing, panting, and refusing
to eat - Clinging to owners
- Soiling the house
Rabbits
- Stamping hind feet
- Staying motionless
- Trying to escape
Behavioural and Medical Methods to Help your pets cope with Loud Noises
Dogs
Walk your dog while it is still light to reduce the possibility of fireworks being let off while they are outside.
Cats
Provide your cat with extra litter trays.
All Pets
Block out exterior sounds: draw the curtains, close all doors and windows, and close any cat flaps.
Disguise exterior sounds: use your tv or radio to provide continuous sound, or play music with a repetitive beat to help mask the suddenness
of the bangs from outside
Provide a hiding place: if your pet gets a fright and doesn’t already
have a favourite hiding place, create a safe, relaxing den for them for them to feel protected in. It is important that you let them come out when they feel safe enough to do so - never try to pull them out.
Keep them distracted: try to stay with them when the fireworks
are going off. Play with them and provide them with new toys or treats. Reward them when they are relaxed.
Feed them earlier: this will help them to feel settled for the night.
Don’t acknowledge or react to them being stressed:
if you are anxious your pet will pick up on this and it could make
the problem worse. You can of course comfort your pet if they seek it but try not to do this anymore than you would on any normal day. If they hide, it’s best to leave them be, where they feel safe.
| DO NOT punish your pet if their behaviour is “bad” when they are frightened.This will make them more distressed and confused ... remember, the fireworks’ noise is not their fault. |
Medicines
If behavioural techniques are not enough and you feel your pet is still
in distress now is the time to contact your veterinary practice to discuss further options
Natural Remedies
Adaptil: This contains a synthetic copy of the natural appeasing pheromone mother dogs produce.
Feliway: When cats rub their faces on objects, they are leaving pheromones which tell them your home is a safe and secure place: Feliway contains a synthetic copy of this pheromone.
Natural remedies (Tablets): This is most often used in combination with sedatives for pets with a severe noise phobia. Some pets can respond quickly to it but for others it can take a few weeks to take effect. Bear this in mind while preparing for the firework season. We can supply these alongside medical sedatives
Dogs and Cats who need stronger medicines
Book an appointment with one of our veterinary surgeons to discuss all the options available including stronger medication such as sedatives 01324 829 989. For pets who have needed sedatives in the past we can often dispense these without a consultation, just get in touch with us early so we can get you the medicines that your pets needs.
Next Year - Desensitise
From January next year (after the fireworks season is over), please contact us to learn about our desensitisation program which will help your pet not suffer the distress again next year. The Dogs Trust provide the noise desensitisation program "Sounds Scary" free of charge via their website HERE which includes a comprehensive guide and can be undertaken from home.