Small Talk - Autumn 2017

3 Keep pets inside your home when fireworks are being let off. 3 If your pet is use to TV or radio sounds, switch them on (not too loudly) to help limit the suddenness and volume of the noises. 3 Let your pet pace, whine, miaow and hide if it wants to. Don’t try to coax it out - it’s just trying to find safety, and should not be disturbed. 3 IF responsive, encourage your pet to play a game or feed favourite foods during the firework displays. 3 Provide an area where it can go to hide such as a crate or den, if that is what they prefer to do. Make it as cosy as possible. Place their bed, food, water and toys in there and use blankets and duvets for noise insulation. Cats also like hiding in areas at different levels of a room. 3 Draw the curtains. 3 Start keeping cats indoors a week before fireworks are due, to get them used to the routine. Don’t forget to provide litter trays! 3 Take dogs for a long walk during daylight; mid afternoon would be ideal. 3 NEVER walk dogs when fireworks are being let off! 3 Avoid leaving pets alone during upsetting events. If you do, don’t get angry with them if they have been destructive after being left alone. 3 Shouting at frightened pets will make them more stressed. 3 Never take dogs to fireworks displays. Even if it doesn’t bark or whimper, it doesn’t mean it is happy. 3 Ensure they are wearing some form of identification, even in the house, in case they run away. By Vicky Harrington RVN DipCABT CCAB RQF level 5 Hook Norton Veterinary Group Speak to your vet about being referred to a qualified behaviourist to help your pet cope with loud noises and avoid the problem escalating. Prescription medications, supplements, herbal and pheromone products are available which can help alleviate your pets phobia. They are intended to be used alongside the measures mentioned opposite and to help your pet to concentrate on an activity they enjoy whilst fireworks are going off; such as a favourite game. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds are all easily frightened. We advise owners to: l Bring hutches and cages into a quiet room indoors, a garage or shed. l Give them extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe. l If you cannot bring your pet’s hutch inside, turn it around to face a wall or fence. l Cover aviaries and hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight and deaden the sound. Make sure there is enough ventilation. Ways to alleviate your pet’s phobia