How to help your pet through a fireworks night

There are several things you can do before the fireworks begin to help your pet when they start.

• Prepare a den – if there is somewhere in your house that your pet goes when they are scared, don’t try to tempt them out. Instead, make it comfortable with blankets and a cover over the top if you can, to make them feel as safe as possible.
• Desensitisation – You can now get CDs of fireworks (and other noises) with which you can help desensitise your pet. Play them at a low level in the background at home when your pet is happy and settled. The idea is you can gradually increase the volume and your pet will become used to the noise and be less bothered when the real fireworks start. These generally need to be started a few months before the fireworks start, so don’t forget for next year!
• Pheromone sprays and diffusers – These are available for both dogs and cats. They are synthetic versions of pheromones produced by your pets. Animals find the scent calming and soothing and they help them relax. We cannot particularly smell them. Plug the diffusers somewhere close to where your pet spends a lot of time and before the fireworks start. The sprays can be used in your pets den or on their bedding.
• Microchips – It is a very good idea to ensure your pet is microchipped before fireworks night. If animals are outside when they start, they can become frightened and disorientated and may run away.

• Ensure dogs are walked before night falls and that cats are kept inside for the night. Make sure the cat flap is locked!
• If you have several cats, be aware that shutting them in together may cause conflict, so do ensure there are plenty of bolt holes for them all.
• Close the curtains and turn on the tv or radio to try to drown out the noise of the fireworks.
• If your pet becomes nervous or frightened, do not comfort them. I know this will be hard but if your pet receives positive attention for being frightened, you are actually rewarding them for being scared. Ignore them when they are scared but if they behave normally, praise the brave behaviour. Equally, do not punish them for being frightened
• Keep to your normal routine and stay calm yourself. Your pet will pick up if you are nervous yourself which may make them react.
• Medication – some animals find the fireworks too stressful to be able to cope and need medication to help them through it. Your vet can provide sedatives which are safe and effective. However, there are alternatives, both herbal and homeopathic, but you should be aware these are not as strong and may not be as effective as medications. Skullcap and valerian tablets are a popular choice. Always discuss giving your pet medication with your vet.

• If you have small pets who live outside, move their cages away from any bonfires or fireworks.
• Cover their cages, this will block out the flashes and also muffle the noise of the fireworks.