Bonfire Night may go with a bang for you and your family, but it is estimated that approximately 60 per cent of pets become stressed and fearful during the firework season. To make matters worse many owners unaware of the signs that can indicate that their pet is scared or how to help them with firework fears.

With this in mind, we are keen to provide pet owners with information on how to look after pets during the firework season and the precautions that can be taken to help pets cope with their fear of loud noises and keep them safe.

To help keep frightened pets to a minimum:

 If you are using fireworks at any kind of celebration, please use lower-noise fireworks, as they will reduce the likely stress caused to animals. You should make sure that pet and farm animal owners in the neighbourhood are aware of the date and time of the event

 Firework debris and litter can harm animals, so pick it all up after it has cooled down and dispose of it safely

 Keep cats and dogs indoors while any bonfire is alight. Ensure that any bonfire is a safe distance from aviaries or rabbit / guinea pig accommodation

 Bonfires can be fatal for wild animals such as hedgehogs, which often crawl into them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the bonfire’s foundations to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.

Owners of particularly fearful pets are advised to discuss behavioural programs with their vets well in advance of Bonfire Night. Dog owners should create a comforting ‘den’ for their pets and encourage them to use the ‘den’ by hiding healthy food treats or toys there. The benefit of the ‘den’ can be maximised by using a plug-in appeasing pheromone diffuser close to it. Switching the diffuser on around a week before Bonfire Night will allow the pheromone to build up to significant levels. In addition to the diffuser, sprays or collars can also be used to give extra support on the night of the event. Owners should avoid inadvertently reinforcing fearful behaviour by trying to comfort their pets. If an animal seeks reassurance, an owner should not respond but as “leader of the pack” show that there nothing to be scared of by not reacting to the bang.

Other types of management can include anti-stress capsules, noise desensitisation CDs or as a last resort sedative medication which can be prescribed by the vet.

Most cats manage their fear of loud noises by voluntarily staying indoors. Owners should encourage this behaviour and ensure that cats can access their favourite ‘bolthole’. This may often be up high, for example on the top of cupboards. Plugging a pheromone diffuser in the room where the cat spends most of its time 48 hours before the festivities will also increase its sense of security.

During the firework season many pets become stressed and fearful. The symptoms to look out for include:

Dogs

 Trembling and shaking

 Clinging to owners

 Barking excessively

 Cowering and hiding behind furniture

 Trying to run away

 Soiling the house

 Pacing and panting

 Refusing to eat

Cats

 Cowering and hiding behind or on top of furniture

 Trying to run away

 Soiling the house

 Refusing to eat

Aurora Vet Clinic is happy to discuss the best ways in which to make fireworks a less frightening experience for pets. If you would like to discuss any of the techniques mentioned in this article, please call 01224 716848 or download the information at the top of the page.

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Old Stoneywood Church • Bankhead Road • Bucksburn • Aberdeen • AB21 9HQ • Tel: 01224 716848