Signs of fear and
stress include:
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Cowering
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Shaking
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Hiding
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Restlessness
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Yawning
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Chewing
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Vocalisation
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Toileting in inappropriate areas
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Drooling
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Panting
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Eating or drinking excessively
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General disobedience.
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Digging in the house
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Tail chasing
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Jumping up onto you or the furniture
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Excessive grooming
Please note that some of these signs can be
mistaken for your pet misbehaving, when actually
they are scared.
The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 actually
provides some guidelines on how to help
your pet around firework season:
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Keep pets inside when fireworks are being let off.
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Close windows and doors and shut cat flaps to
stop pets escaping and to help keep noise to
a minimum.
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Draw the curtains.
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If the animals are used to the sounds of TV or
radio, switch them on (but not too loudly) to help
block out some firework noises and limit the
suddenness and volume of the noises.
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Avoid fussing or cuddling your pet while it is
scared. This only tells your pet that there is
something to be scared about! Stay relaxed,
act normally and praise calm behaviour.
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If responsive, encourage pets to play or do
something rewarding when fireworks are
being let off.
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Allow your pet to vocalise, pace or hide if it
wants to.
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Ensure pets have an area where they can go to
hide undisturbed, if that is what they prefer to do.
Place food and water bowls nearby.
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Take your dog for a long walk during the day
(before the fireworks are set off, NEVER walk
dog's when fireworks are being let off!!).
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Avoid leaving your pet alone during upsetting
events. If you do leave the house, don't get angry
with your pet if you find it has been destructive
after being left on its own.
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Don't tie up, leave your dog outside or in the car
while fireworks are being let off.
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NEVER
take your dog to a firework display.
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Ensure your pet is fitted with a microchip, so that
if they do run away they have a better chance of
being quickly reunited with you.
Prescription medications, supplements, herbal,
pheromone and calming shirt are products available
which can help alleviate your pets phobia. They are
intended to be used alongside measures mentioned
above. They can help your pet to concentrate on
an activity they find rewarding/pleasant whilst
fireworks are going off. Administration of some
products should ideally start a few weeks before
the fireworks are expected!
Small pets
Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets
and birds also need to be treated with special care
during fireworks season. These animals are easily
frightened. We advise owners of small animals
should follow these precautions:
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Hutches and cages should be brought into a
quiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
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Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into to
feel safe.
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If you cannot bring your pet's hutch inside, you
should turn its enclosure around to face a wall
or fence.
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Cover aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or
duvets to block out the sight of fireworks and
deaden the sound of bangs. Ensure there is
enough ventilation.
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In cases where the above measures do not
help, speak to your vet about referral to a
qualified behaviourist.