It may be helpful to seek Veterinary advice for your pet 6 – 12 weeks before the firework season begins to help you prepare for it, as now days it won’t just happen on November the 5th.
Dogs (Signs To Look For)
Panting & pacing, shaking, growling, finding places to hide. Try walking your dog earlier and making sure they have eaten, close your curtains a bit earlier and put the TV or radio on for background noise.
Cat (Signs To Look For)
Hissing or low grumbling, hiding, withdrawing from you, ears back, and crouching gait. Make sure you keep your cat in if you know a firework display is planned nearby, and as you do for dogs close the curtains earlier than usual, and put the TV or radio on to help reduce the outside noises. Make sure there are places easily accessible for your cat to hide, and provide an indoor litter tray in a convenient location, as anxious cats often avoid toilet visits if they feel threatened.
Small Pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferret and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened.
Hutches/cages and enclosures should if possible be put in a quiet room indoors, or a garage or shed. Give your pet extra bedding so they can burrow into it to make them feel safe. If you cannot move the hutches or aviaries cover them with thick blankets or even an old duvet to help block out the flashes from the fireworks and it will also deaden the sound of the bangs, but do make sure there is enough ventilation.
If you have any other concerns or questions then please call the practice on 01763 242221 or email at info@roystonvets.com
