How to Help Your Pets During the Firework Season

Fireworks can be a source of fear for many animals, ignoring the problem won’t help, but we have some advice & product that may help keep your pet calm during the firework season.

• Provide your dog or cat with somewhere to hide, like under furniture or in a cupboard.
• Walk your dog in the day time as the fireworks will only be at night
• Keep your cat indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off
• When It starts to get dark close the curtains and play some music to help cancel out the loud noises.
• It’s ok to comfort your pet if you think this will help, or leave them alone if you think they won’t hurt themselves.
• Make sure your pet can’t escape if they get startled by loud noises.
• Have them microchipped just in case.

Don’t:

• Take your dog to a firework display, even if your dog does not bark or whimper, don’t assume he or she is happy. Excessive yawning and panting can indicate that your dog is stressed.
• Tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off.
• Assume your garden is escape proof. If your dog needs to go out keep him on a lead just in case.
• Leave your dog on his own or in a separate room from you.
• Try to force your dog to face his fears – he’ll just become more frightened.
• Forget to top up the water bowl. Anxious dogs pant more and get thirsty.
• Change routines more than necessary, as this can be stressful for some dogs.
• Try and tempt him out if he does retreat, as this may cause more stress.
• Tell your dog off. This will only make your pet more distressed. It is important to remember that it is natural for a dog to be scared of loud noises and unfamiliar sights and sounds. Never punish your pet for being scared, try not to act stresses yourself, this will only make things worse in the long run.

Planning ahead can make help your dog/pet cope with the firework season.

Close the curtains in the room where your dog will be, put their bed in and favourite toys. Ignore the fireworks yourself, play with toys with your dog but don’t force them. If your dog has a friend who isn’t scared, then keeping them together is a good idea to help comfort them.

Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide if they want to, this may be under furniture or a quiet corner.

If your pet lives outside, partly cover the hutch/aviary with a rug, duvet or carpet to make sure one end is sound proofed, make sure your pet can still look out.

Check if there are any displays local to you & ask neighbours if they have anything planned.

Halloween can also be stressful for dogs, they may find the costumes scary, they could even cause an aggressive reaction out of fear. So it’s a good idea to walk your dog before the trick or treating begins.

We have many products in store to suit your pet, please check out our seasonal lines on our website just follow this link:
https://www.naturalworldpets.co.uk/seasonal-products/