The Haslemere Pet Company

If you are one of the many pet owners who fear for their dog or cat’s sanity come firework time, then take comfort in the fact that there are lots of different ways you can help them cope or even overcome their fear.

Simple Steps

1. Bring all pets indoors at night during Firework season and don't forget to lock the dog/cat flaps.  This not only reduces the noise, but also makes sure that your dog or cat does not bolt from the house or garden with fright. Make sure that your dog/cat is wearing a collar with an ID tag attached just in case they do escape.
2. Don’t forget that Rabbits and Guinea Pigs can also suffer from exposure to loud noises.  Bring hutches inside (into the garage or a large shed for example) and provide extra straw bedding for both insulation and comfort. Check all doors and wires for possible gaps and fix as required.
3. Some aviary birds may also be stressed by fireworks, so it would do no harm to get them gradually used to being in an indoor cage before the “silly season” really begins.  Make sure that the cage is large enough, and provides appropriate perching.  If you do decide to leave your Birds in the aviary, double (then triple) check the wire and doors for any small gaps or possible flight routes and shut them soundly in their inside sleeping area (make sure you provide food and water in there too!).
4. Turn the telly or radio on to blend in with the outside noise.  Do not turn the sound way up as this can create even more problems.
5. Make sure your dog has a nice comfy bed, and provide him with a fresh chew or a fun new toy to divert his attention from what’s going on outside.
6. If your cat has a scratch post, buy some catnip spray and give the post a new lease on life.  If you don’t have a post, now is the time to get one.
7. Hard as it may seem – DON’T MAKE A FUSS.  If your dog or cat is starting to become scared please don’t give into temptation to cuddle or scope it up onto the sofa as by doing so you are only reinforcing his or her behaviour.
8. Never take your dog to a fireworks display or to a bonfire night party.  Even if they are not normally spooked by loud noises, they may react badly being so close to the action.

Up a Notch

1. There are quite a few homeopathic remedies available that can help your pet cope.  These range from tablets, to liquid to pheromone collars – all of which may work to a varying degree.  However, please don’t leave this purchase to the last minute. Many of these remedies take time to work, and some may not work for your pet at all, so it’s better to start investigating the options now before the bangs begin.
2. Sound CDs are also available which help your pet slowly get used to noise over a period of time. The idea is that you pop the CD on and over a few sessions, slowly increase the volume and reward your dog for not reacting to the noise.  Again, this method takes time and is not something to start a few days before bonfire night.

Call in the Experts

If your pet really suffers from loud noises to the point where the stress results in any of the following:

1.     Excessive barking

2.     Hiding and trembling for an extended period of time after the event

3.     Fear aggression

4.     Self Mutilation (licking/biting paws, pulling hair)

Then you may wish to consult a Qualified Companion Animal Behaviourist.  If you live in the West Sussex/Surrey/Hampshire area, we can highly recommended Kristina Elias BSc.(Hons.) Dip Soc Psy, DAS CABC of Wagtails Canine College.  Kristina can come to your home, assess your dog’s behaviour, and then create a workable action plan which will address your pet’s issues. If you live further a field the Association of Pet Behaviour Counselors also provide a list of qualified behaviorists in your area.

If Fireworks are a particular problem in your area -

Did you know that there are laws that govern when fireworks are allowed? Please check your local Police website for more details, but if you live in the Waverley County Council area, you can find that information here (scroll down a bit though!)

Best of luck – we are all in this together :-)

Claire