VET WARNS TO PLAN AHEAD TO HELP ANXIOUS PETS DURING BONFIRE NIGHT

Dr Laura Stapleton, Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Governance Regulatory Lead for Pets at Home, has issued a warning to pet owners ahead of the firework season.

It’s important to remember not everyone experiences firework displays in the same way, including our furry friends.

With the unpredictable loud bangs and bright flashes, it’s no surprise new research from Pets at Home, has found 60% of pet owners have observed increased anxiety in their pets around fireworks and 29%** of owners say events with fireworks are a stressful period.

Dr Laura Stapleton explains the signs you should look out for, “All pets are different and it’s important that you’re able to recognise what anxiety looks like for yours. Common signs to look out for include pacing and panting in dogs, hiding and hissing in cats, and stamping or a change of appetite in rabbits. For most pets, a fearful state usually starts with a watchful phase where they will be unusually alert.”

Dr Stapleton shares her expert tips to keep your pet safe and calm during Bonfire Night:

  1. Distracting your pets can ease their anxiety. Try to muffle the sound of fireworks by turning on the TV or playing rhythmic music. To make this easier Pets at Home have created multiple Spotify playlists, which has a range of genres to choose from, including reggae, soft rock and classical selections.

  2. For pets who experience severe noise phobia and anxiety, it is recommended to seek advice from your local vet in advance of bonfire night, as some medications can take a few days to take effect.

  3. Hide the flashing lights as best you can by keeping windows, blinds and curtains closed. For rabbits and guinea pigs, provide them with lots of bedding to hide in and partly cover the hutch in blankets to help muffle the noise.  If they are used to being inside, bring them indoors. .

  4. It’s also important for you, as an owner, to remain calm as animals can sense any changes in your demeanour, which could potentially make them more anxious.

  5. While treats and toys may be enough to distract some pets, for those which are more anxious you may have to explore alternative methods such as anti-anxiety products. From spot-on treatments, calming diffusers, plug-in diffusers and anti-anxiety jackets, there are lots of options available to soothe your pets. It’s best to introduce your pet to these a few weeks prior to Bonfire Night rather than add something else new on the night.

  6. For cats, once they are safely inside lock the cat flap and keep them indoors with access to a litter tray, or multiple trays if you have more than one cat. Create a safe haven in advance of firework season by using familiar toys, and lots of bedding for them to hide in, including a piece of clothing with your scent so that they’re comforted by the smell.

  7. Once firework season is over, keep a close eye on your pet for several days afterwards. Check how much they are eating and drinking and, for cats, monitor how much they’re using their litter tray or going outside. If you notice that your cat (especially if they are male) is urinating less, going to their litter tray more frequently or not urinating at all then take them to your vet as soon as possible.

If you are seeing signs of stress or fear and would like some support, the teams at Pets at Home or Vets for Pets will be able to help.

Date published: 04/11/2024