Did you know 60% of pets become stressed and fearful while fireworks are going off?
Yet 77% of owners have never taken action to address their pet’s noise phobia because the fireworks’ season is only an annual occurrence.
Moreover, 95% of well meaning pet owners may actually fuel firework fears without even realising it. Making an effort to ignore fireworks and behave normally will give your pet reassurance. If they are anxious, petting them whilst fireworks are going off, in an attempt to calm them, will only heighten their fears!
Some or all of the following can indicate fear in your pet:
• Trembling and shaking
• Clinging to owners
• Barking excessively
• Trying to run away
• Soiling the house
• Cowering/hiding behind furniture
• Pacing and panting
• Refusing to eat
Planning ahead can help to ensure the firework experience is as stress-free as possible for your pet.
Diffuse the situation
Create a safe haven for your pet so they have somewhere to hide during fireworks. To help create this comforting area, use a plug in diffuser. These dispense calming chemicals into the room, which provide comfort and reassurance to your pet. With specific pheromones included in these specialty diffusers they are clinically proven to help prevent/reduce stress related behaviour problems.
Pheromones are natural signaling agents which have an effect on an animal’s behaviour. Pheromones stimulate emotional centres in the brain, and in so doing can produce a change in behaviour.
Diffusers typically last about 4 weeks and should be plugged in a minimum of 48hours before the event. For additional support during the event, an accompanying pheromone spray can be used on your pet’s bedding.
Rooke’s recommend: DAP Diffuser & Spray for Dogs or Feliway Diffuser & Spray for Cats.
Alternatively, calming collars can be used. Over a period of 30 days, these collars release pheromone on your pet’s skin/fur.
When your pet breathes in, the pheromone is registered by a sensory organ at the back of the hard palate and a signal is sent to an emotional centre in the brain. The result is a calming sensation for your pet.
Microchipping/ID tags
Whatever you do, make sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date or they are microchipped. Many cats and dogs run away from home in a panic when there are fireworks around and tend to get lost. If your pet does go running off, it is much easier to be able to identify its ownership if it has been tagged or chipped.
When things go with a bang…
Focus on the sights and sounds
Whether you have a dog or a small animal anything you can do to reduce the noise and view of fireworks the better.
Cover any aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs, but make sure there is enough ventilation. Draw the curtains in your house and give your pet extra bedding to burrow/crawl/jump into so it feels safe.
Put your pet in a safe, comfortable, closed room, even if it is caged. It will keep it from running about the house and injuring itself, wrecking furniture or being scared. Make sure the room has a cosy place for your pet to sit, such as a blanket in a corner, and it is warm. If your pet is a horse or other farm animal, make sure it has clean bedding and is inside the stable or barn.
You might also try drowning out the noise with stereo music or the TV, sounds that are more familiar for your pet; just make sure not to play these noises ridiculously loud or you may scare them even more!
Lead by example
The best advice for any pet owner is to ignore any fearful behaviour. It may seem cruel, but do not try to comfort your pet; they’ll pick up on your anxiety and this may make the problem worse. Fussing a pet that appears frightened can reward and encourage this behaviour.
More importantly, do not try to pick them up or restrain them. If your pet wants to hide, let them.
If you have a dog that is scared by noises and know a dog that is not and which gets on well with your own, invite them over. Keeping the two together during the event may help your dog to realise that there’s no need to be afraid.
And even if that doesn’t work, it’s at least a small distraction for them!
Provide a welcome distraction
Distractions are useful and can help to take your pet’s mind off of what’s going on outside. We’ve already mentioned a friend, but there are a few other things you can provide too.
Water and food – Many pets will be very frantic and uneasy. If they have water it will help calm them, and food at its regular portion will make the pet feel like it is a normal day.
Soothing sounds – If your pet is used to music, turn some on at normal volume. Also, the sound of rainwater is very soothing to pets.
Toys and games – Distract your pet with a favorite game they enjoy playing; maybe a favorite ball or toy. Or introduce a new toy or chew toy to divert attention and keep them occupied. However, whatever you do, if they don’t want to play, don’t force them!
Happy Bonfire Night!
