Tips to Help Keep Your Pet Happy During the Fireworks Season
The Do's
- Provide a safe hiding space
- Secure all exit points (windows, doors, cat flaps etc) - have your pet microchipped so that they can be identified if they escape.
- Decrease visual exposure to the fireworks - keep your pets indoors, away from windows, and shut the curtains
- Muffle the sounds of the fireworks - Keep your windows and doors closed; turn the TV or radio on etc
- Provide distractions - Use special toys only for the fireworks season; food puzzles etc
- Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise
- If you walk your dog/s in the evening, ensure that the walk is completed and they are home safe, before the fireworks start
- Consider the use of calming aids that can be purchased over the counter (e.g Adaptil, Feliway, Thundershirts), or consult your veterinarian to discuss starting your pet on some anti-anxiety medications to tide him/her over the fireworks season
- Try your best to be at home with your pets when the fireworks are going on and be a role model for your pets. Remember to remain calm and relaxed during the fireworks season, as if nothing bad is happening.
- Be sure to give your pet plenty of time and space to recover after the fireworks are done for the night.
The Don'ts
- Do not punish your pet! This will make the anxiety and fear of fireworks worse for your pet.
- Do not overdo reassurance – this may inadvertently reinforce the anxious and fearful behaviour.
- Do not force your pet to face its fear of fireworks (e.g. do not insist that your pet watches you set off fireworks in your backyard)
- Do not leave addressing your pet's aversion towards fireworks to the last minute.
- Do not ignore your pet's potential aversion to fireworks – because the fear will generally get worse over time.
Please do not hesitate to contact the clinic on (06) 3588675 if you have any questions or concerns.
