Ahead of tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, the JSPCA has shared advice for pet owners to help keep their furry friends calm during firework displays…
Check with neighbours to see if they’re planning to use fireworks
Knowing in advance can help you prepare your pet, adjust routines and put calming strategies in place to help reduce their stress.
Provide safe spaces and plenty of places they can hide indoors
Create a comfortable, covered space for your pet so that they can retreat to it when they’re frightened.
For cats, this could be a cardboard box with a soft, fleece blanket inside and for dogs, it could be a covered crate or a duvet behind the couch or under a table with a cover over the top.
For small animals, tunnels and extra hay for burrowing can help.
Keep pets indoors
Bring any outdoor animals inside before it gets dark and provide them with a safe space.
Remember to lock cat flaps and shut all windows.
Some cats will break through a locked cat flap, so place something in front of it once they’re inside to prevent them from getting out
Turn on the TV or radio and close windows and curtains
This can help to drown out some of the noises and lights and flashes of the fireworks.
Provide comfort
Some animals really want affection when they are frightened, and they may need you to cuddle them to provide reassurance.
Keep them preoccupied with enrichment
Some dogs can be distracted by play or being given something tasty to chew. Some cats might happily munch on a few treats. It really depends on your pet. If something works to make them feel safer then there is no harm in doing that for them.
Schedule dog walks before it turns dark
Dogs should be exercised before it is dark, and if you have to take them out to the toilet during the event, keep them on a lead and ensure they are wearing a proper fitting harness or collar.
Keep bonded animals together as they will be able to comfort each other
Animals that are closely bonded to a buddy rely on each other for comfort and security.
Avoid leaving your pet alone
Where possible, make sure that your pet has company and is not left alone.
Visit another parish
If you know the times of the display, take your dog for a drive away from where they can hear the fireworks and let them explore a new area or just enjoy a nice drive.
Calming products for pets
Feliway and DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) products have been shown to help relax pets. These can be purchased from your vet or online.
Horses
It depends on where your horse feels most safe, some need to be stabled during fireworks and some might feel trapped in a stable and would be better in the paddock.
Stay with your horses during fireworks so that you can support them if they become afraid.
If possible, it may be best to move your horse to a different field or stables during the fireworks display.
Small animals
If you notice any change in your rabbit or guinea pig such as not eating, please take them to a vet promptly, as the stress of the fireworks may affect their gut movement and health.