11:08, 05 November 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Remember, remember the 5th of November!
Bonfire Night is back for its yearly display of colours as fireworks will light up skies across the country. However, the occasion can often be stressful for pets.
PDSA, the veterinary charity, is urging pet owners to take three crucial steps to mitigate anxiety in their animals during this fireworks season. Each year, the charity's Pet Hospital teams treat approximately 1,400 pets for issues related to fireworks, including phobias and injuries.
PDSA Vet Nurse Gemma Renwick emphasises the heightened sensitivity of pets, stating, “For animals, whose senses are far more acute than ours, the experience of Bonfire Night can be overwhelming, leading to severe anxiety, trauma, and even physical harm.”
Nurse Renwick advises pet owners to take proactive measures on the night of the celebrations, such as marking the dates of local firework displays in their calendars or setting reminders on their phones to ensure they are prepared to implement the essential steps to support their pets during this potentially distressing time.
It is recommended that owners:
To protect pets during fireworks, keep them indoors at night. Walk dogs before dark and ensure cats are home for dinner, securing exits. For small outdoor animals, bring them inside or cover their hutches with a blanket for sound muffling, ensuring airflow and providing hiding spots for comfort.
Close your curtains and turn on lights to block flashes and muffle sounds. Playing classical music or deep bass at a comfortable volume can help soothe pets. Create a cosy den with cushions and blankets for them to retreat to, ensuring multiple exit routes. Cats may prefer elevated spaces. Include their favourite toys, and avoid forcing them in or out. If they choose to hide elsewhere, respect their space and offer reassurance without excessive fussing.
Various pheromones, calming supplements, and herbal remedies are available to help pets relax. Their effectiveness can vary based on ingredients, so if one type doesn’t work, another may be more suitable. Pheromone diffusers and sprays can replicate calming scents, providing a sense of safety. Use a spray before the fireworks, allowing 15 minutes to settle, and consider purchasing a diffuser for earlier preparation.
If your efforts to calm your pet during fireworks are unsuccessful, consult your vet for emergency advice. A sudden fear of fireworks may indicate an underlying medical issue, so a check-up is recommended. Your vet may prescribe short-term medications and suggest desensitisation and counter-conditioning for severe phobias. They can also recommend a local pet behaviourist who uses positive reinforcement techniques.
More information available on the PDSA website, including a free firework guide: www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworksready
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals). This is a veterinary charity in the UK dedicated to providing medical care and support for pets in need, regardless of their owners' financial circumstances. Find out more.
StreetVet. This charity provides free veterinary care to pets belonging to homeless individuals, ensuring that pets receive necessary medical attention. Learn more here.
The Mayhew. This is a charity that offers veterinary care, rehoming services, and community outreach programs to support pet owners and improve animal welfare. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Quality Education, Life on Land.
