The Firework season & a potential second lockdown is upon us!

Firework displays look great and are enjoyed year-round by people but the flashing lights, sudden loud bangs and unusual sounds can be a source of fear for many animals, even the calmest animal. Here are some tips to make firework celebrations less frightening for your pet.

Maybe this year it with all what life has thrown at us, it would be a good idea before you head out to buy fireworks to think about others and donate the money you would normally have spend to support a charity instead.

Regardless, before the firework season starts, here are some tips to keep your animals safe:

Planning ahead can help your beloved pets to cope with the firework season:

Be ready:

Make sure you familiarise yourself with the dates and times of planned public displays and even consider putting a note through neighbours’ doors asking them to let you know if and when they’re planning to have private displays at home. You could also reach out to a wider audience online by putting out a Facebook post in your local community Facebook page if you have one. More and more people in rural areas now contact their surrounding neighbours (especially stable owners) of upcoming private firework displays. This is a very encouraging development.

FOR HORSES:

If any events are going to be held close by, consider bringing your horse into their stable during this time. However, if your horses are used to living out then they may be best kept in their normal field.

• Keep your horse in a routine. You could start to set up the stable exactly as you would during any fireworks displays a week or so in advance. Maybe have the radio on, the stable door shut completely or have a treat ball to keep your horse occupied.
• For fire safety double check that you have working fire extinguishers, sand and water nearby in case of a fire around the stables.
• For liveries: Familiarise yourself with your horses livery fire drills so that you know where you should go with your horse.
• Remain calm on the night and check on your horses on a regular basis as your presence will have a calming effect.

The morning after:

• Check your horses for any injuries or cuts and continue your routine as normal
• Fully inspect the water trough and the entire field for debris left in the field.

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FOR DOGS:

• Make sure your dog has a microchip and wears a collar with a tag. Please keep contact details up to date.
• Take your dog outside for their toilet breaks before dark and the onset of the fireworks.
• Provide your dog with a ‘doggy play area’. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home. Train your dog to associate the play area with positive experiences, e.g. by playing games. Use a variety of toys and swap them regularly, putting them away when not in use so that your dog doesn’t become bored with them.
• Have their water topped up, anxiety and calming activities can make them thirsty.
• Some dogs also appreciate being able to hide when frightened, so providing a ‘doggy den’ in the play area may help them to cope. For example, this could be a wardrobe or a cupboard, packed with old duvets and blankets to make it more comfortable and to help sound-proof the area. It is important that your dog has access to its ‘doggy den’ at all times, even when you’re not at home but never use force to use it.

When the fireworks start

• Close any windows and black out the ‘doggy play area’ to remove any extra problems caused by flashing lights.
• Each evening before the fireworks begin, move your dog to the play area and provide toys and other things that they enjoy. Make sure that there are things for you to do too so that your dog isn’t left alone.
• Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.
• If you know a dog that isn’t scared by noises and which gets on well with your dog, then keeping the two together during the evenings may help your dog to realize that there’s no need to be afraid.

Keeping your dog/s secure

• Make sure your dog always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example, this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard.
• During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep them indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
• At nighttime close windows and curtains and switch on the TV or the radio to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks.
• If your pet shows any signs of fear, try to ignore their behaviour. Leave them alone unless they are likely to harm themselves.
• Never punish or fuss over your pet when it is scared, destructive or messes in the house as this will only make things worse in the long run.
• Make sure your dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment, block off any dangerous or unsuitable areas in the house and that your dog can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise

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FOR CATS:

Most of the advice given for dogs can be applied to cats. Encourage your cat to come in at night, this might be a tricky affair as most cats I know are out during the night enjoying their favourite past time – hunting.

• Make sure your cat has a microchip and wears a collar with a tag. Please keep contact details up to date.
• Spend time with your frightened cat and give lots of love and attention.

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If you are in the unfortunate situation of losing your cat or dog

• Report it to your local animal rescue centre
• Most areas have their own Facebook page for lost and found animals where you can post details of your lost pet
• Contact your local animal warden who is responsible for collecting stray dogs.
• Call your local veterinary surgeries in case your pet has been handed in or been reported as a stray
• Create posters and display them nearby.

Stay safe!