REMEMBER, remember, the fifth of November.

Many pets are terrified of fireworks. Please ensure you keep your beloved pets indoors in the evenings if you aware of any bonfires or firework parties nearby. Turn up the TV or music in an attempt to cover up the noise. Stay with your pet and reassure them at all times.

Speak to your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible, prior to the firework season. Your pet can then be prescribed medication to help them deal with their fear of fireworks.

Be sensible; do not set off fireworks near pets or take pets near fireworks.

Your vet can help with calming your pet, so please contact them now.

There are many medications and techniques which can be used to help reassure and calm your anxious pets. Drugs may be useful in some cases but must only be given under veterinary supervision. Remember they should be given so they take effect before any noise starts or panic sets in. This is usually at least an hour ahead of the events. Some have to be started days before any likelihood of fireworks noise. Please contact us at Dunedin Vets for further advice.

Pheromones

Pheromones are naturally calming chemicals which help to reassure your dog. These chemicals are naturally produced by dogs or cats (remember cats and all pets can be afraid of noises). They are generally released via plug-in devices.

If you plug in a device in your dog’s favourite resting place in a blacked-out room and leave it on the whole time, you may find that this is enough to calm your dog through the firework season. Your pet will probably continue to react to the noise, noted by stopping what they are doing when they hear a noise, but they should not panic.

These devices can be used in addition to drugs if necessary, but neither are a substitute for a proper training schedule to eliminate the problem. Your vet can provide details of how to do this.

Never consider punishing your dog when they are scared, it only confirms to him that there is something to be afraid of and will make him worse. Also, don’t fuss, pet or try to reassure your dog when he is scared as they will regard this as a reward for the behaviour. Although it may be difficult, try to ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs.

It may help to feed your pet a good meal, rich in carbohydrate, mid to late afternoon so they have a full stomach over the evening. If necessary, don’t feed them at any other time during the day to ensure a good appetite. However, if your dog is prone to diarrhoea when scared or at other times, please consult your vet and they will provide advice regarding this strategy.

Make sure that your home environment is safe and secure at all times. Even the most placid dog can behave unpredictably when frightened by noise and potentially could bolt and escape. This could result in much more severe consequences. It is not uncommon for vets to treat animals who have bolted in terror and been involved in road traffic accidents.

Blacking out

When firework noises begin, try to ensure that your pet can remain in a well-curtained or blacked-out room when it starts to go dark. Blacking out the room removes the potentially additional problems of flashing lights and firework flares. This also includes covering your budgie’s cage earlier in the evening so they will settle better before they become concerned.

Provide your pets with plenty of familiar toys. Try to arrange that you are with them so that they do not feel abandoned in the room. Make sure that all the windows and doors are shut so the sound is deadened as much as possible.

You can provide background sounds from the radio or television. If you can tolerate it, rap or similar music with a lot of constant drumbeats does help. It does not necessarily have to be loud, as long as there is a constant distracting beat to the music which will prevent pets, dogs especially, from concentrating on the noises outside. Ignore the firework noises yourself and try to involve your pet in some form of active game.

Another interesting strategy may be to have two or more dogs together. Keeping the two dogs together during the firework evenings may help reduce anxiety. Playing with a non-fearful dog when your own becomes scared may help to encourage him to join in and reduce his fear. However, some dogs would still be fearful and potentially more so if they feel threatened. This is something to try well in advance to see if it will work.

In summary

Owners often ask what is the best method of reducing anxiety in their pets during fireworks season. There really isn’t a one size fits all. The treatment and training has to be tailored to the individual.

Don’t just ignore the problem because it only happens for a few days each year. Instigate a desensitisation programme once the season is over so that you ensure your dog loses fear of the situation. Your vet can help with leaflets explaining exactly how to go about this.

A dog-appeasing pheromone-releasing device available from your vet may help, but ideally should be used ahead of the problem.

There are a whole range of drugs, from nutraceuticals to sedatives, which are available to help firework noise induced anxiety. Providing a darkened safe space is essential too.

Please feel free to visit Dunedin Vet, where our nursing team can advise you how to build a safe den for your pet. They have an example of this in our waiting room at the Tranent surgery.

Our receptionist Lesley Ann’s Chihuahuas Frankie and Charlie have their own little den to hide in at home where they can remain safe and reassured, whilst Lesley Ann relaxes and listens to suitable music which calms the dogs too.

Please have a safe Bonfire Night.