Pet Friendly Guide to Guy Fawkes - [website] Published: 26th of Oct 2011 by: Miss Knowitall
Guy Fawkes is just around the corner and there are certain to be some pretty amazing fireworks displays to go with it, but how can we make sure our pets aren’t terrified by the loud bangs and flashing lights that can turn even the most fear
We all know that a dog’s hearing is far more sensitive than our own and that a firework display can be a very distressing thing for a pup to have to go through. However, it doesn’t have to be this way if you put the right provisions in place and learn what to do before the time.
Try following these tips to calm your pets next time there’s a loud celebration and see if you can help minimise all the fuss…
1. Before the fireworks start to fly close all the windows, curtains and doors in the house to reduce the noise, then turn on some music to help drown out all the commotion.
2. Make sure your dog or cat has a place to go and hide if they start to feel overwhelmed; this can be anywhere from the bottom of a cupboard to behind the living room couch (I used to have dog who would get in the shower and turn in circles when things got a bit too much!).
3. If your dog or cat is in hiding don’t try to coax them out, this is only going to increase their stress levels and make it that much worse.
4. Don’t fuss over the fireworks yourself; if you want your dog to ignore them then you should too.
5. If your dog or cat is becoming uneasy as a result of the fireworks you shouldn’t punish them or create a scene over them – they’ve got enough to deal with already.
6. Try to let your dog cope on its own. If he shows signs of fear try ignoring him (he might realise there’s nothing to worry about), but keep an eye open so that he doesn’t get into a situation where he may harm himself.
A firework show can be an absolutely breathtaking and unforgettable experience for (nearly) the entire family, but please spare a thought for those who have no voice during these times.
