Every year thousands of
animals suffer due to fireworks being let off. Animals have very acute
hearing, and loud bangs and whistles may cause them actual pain in
their ears. As the season approaches, all pet owners should take a few
precautions to help make Bonfire Night easier for your animal to cope
with. Even if your pet is not the nervous type it is worth considering
the following advice from UK Welfare Charity, The Blue Cross:
~ Keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
~ Close all windows and doors, and block off cat flaps to stop pets
escaping and to keep noise to a minimum.
~ Make sure your pet is wearing some form of easily readable
identification (ID) – even in the house.
~ Never take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not
bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn’t mean he’s happy. Excessive
panting and yawning can sometimes indicate that your dog is stressed.
~ Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e.
outside a shop whilst you pop inside, or leave them in the garden or in
your car.
~ Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks
start.
~ Don’t shout at your pet if it is frightened or unusually destructive,
as you will only make it more stressed.
You can also help by creating a den for your pet, perhaps under a bed,
so it can hide when the fireworks start. If your pet does pace around,
whines or miaows and tries to hide in a corner, leave it alone and do
not try to coax it out. It is just trying to find safety and should not
be disturbed. Try not to leave your pet alone, though, stay calm and
act normal. Do not shout at your pet, as you will only make it more
frightened. With other animals, hutches and enclosures should, if
possible, be brought inside, and extra bedding should be given.
Aviaries should be covered with thick blankets or a duvet to
block the sight and sound of the bangs, though care should be taken to
ensure there is enough ventilation.
Follow this advice and hopefully your pet will have as stress-free a
night as possible.
