Many people enjoy fireworks displays during the autumn and winter months. However these can be very distressing for our pets. Here are some helpful tips which may allow your pet to feel less stressed at this time of year. Although we tend to be concerned about dogs and cats do not forget to think about wildlife and do check your bonfire for hibernating hedgehogs before you light it!
1) It is important to keep all pets indoors during firework displays. Animals are more likely to dash off into roads or hide out in other people’s sheds at the sound of fireworks, causing worry and expense for owners.
The bonfire and firework season can be a stressful and frightening time for some pets. Behaviour of pets in reaction to fireworks can vary from a slight fear, perhaps your dog licking his lips or barking, to an intense fear. These phobias can escalate very quickly and it is important for owners to understand how to deal with their pets behaviour so they do not increase the fear without realising.
2) It is important that owners do not comfort their pets while they are stressed and anxious. However harsh this may seem, it actually increases your pets fear. If you comfort them, you are saying “Yes, there is something to be scared of and I’m scared too.”
Ensure children understand the importance of ignoring your dogs’ fearful behaviour too. Often owners follow the advice given and forget to include the children. Sometimes people will say “I’m doing everything you told me, but his behaviour is getting worse”. When asked how their children react towards the dog when he is showing signs of fear, it is common for them to say they cuddle up with the dog or stroke him while he is hiding under the bed etc. It is really important that all members of the family act in a consistent way as any comforting by any member of the family will reward the dog and encourage its fearful behaviour to become progressively worse.
As fear increases so does the pets anxiety level. They will pant, salivate, pace and burrow into dark corners. As fear progresses, dogs can claw and chew doors and furniture in an attempt to hide or escape. Apart from the obvious stress this causes the animal, it can be costly and upsetting for owners.
Therefore, it is important for your dog to feel relaxed, and confident that he can trust the signals you give out in order to overcome and prevent fears. Remember, be consistent!
3) It is important to provide a ‘den area’ for cats and dogs so they have somewhere dark and safe to hide if they need to. You will often find your dog tries to burrow into a dark cupboard or under the bed during fireworks or thunderstorms. They are trying to get away from the noise into an area they feel is safe. Pets also feel safer in the dark.
In the den area, you can use ‘Feliway’ for cats. (A spray or diffuser with a solution of synthetic feline facial pheromone. Cats produce this substance naturally when they feel relaxed and happy.) By using a synthetic preparation of the pheromone, you can help your cat to feel calm and relaxed in an otherwise stressful situation.
For dogs there is a similar product called DAP. (Dog Appeasing pheromone) Again, a synthetically produced version of the pheromone produced by lactating bitches, which helps to calm and reassure the puppies in their new environment. This can be used to help dogs of any age to feel more relaxed in stressful situations. Both of these products are available from Mayfield Vet.
It is a good idea to get your pet used to the den before the firework season starts. You can also use Skullcap and Valerian herbal tablets which also help reduce anxiety in pets. These tablets are not just ‘for one night only’ and are safe to carry on using. This can be helpful with the ever increasing number of fireworks going off up to and after November 5th. Skullcap and Valerian can be used in other stressful situations such as travelling, visits to the vet, moving house etc. and do not cause the pet to become drowsy. Herbal medicines are also available at Mayfield Vet.
The best thing is to let them go into their den and act as if nothing is any different and carry on as normal. If your pet realises you are not scared, this will help them overcome their fear as they will look to you and trust your behaviour.
If your dog already shows a fear response towards fireworks and other loud noises, the ‘Sounds Scary’ CD’s are a great help your dog overcome/reduce his fear. It takes time and patience on the owners behalf but is well worth taking the time so your dog can feel more relaxed and able to cope with scary situations.
It is a CD comprising firework sounds and all the noises that go with bonfire night. It has easy to follow instructions on how it can be used to desensitise your dog. It is very useful and really helps reduce the stress and anxiety that bonfire night can cause for pets and owners.
So, remember, remember on the 5th of November............
Do not let your pets outside
Ignore any fearful behaviour, do not even speak soothingly to your pet
Get the whole family involved and explain why you are acting the way you are
Provide a safe ‘den area’ in a quiet room, which is dark
Use Feliway/DAP or Skullcap and Valerian
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