30/12/2022
Almost New Years Eve and no doubt there will be fireworks.
Many animals, dogs, cats, horses, find fireworks scary. Here are some actions you can take to make things easier for them:
π Provide your dog or cat with a safe haven. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home, a place where they feel in control. Don't interfere with your pet when they're in that area.
π Walk your dog during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
π Move your pet to the safe haven each evening before the fireworks begin, and provide toys and other things that they enjoy. Make sure there are things for you to do too, so your pet isn't left alone. For cats, provide hiding places in your home, such as under some furniture or in a quiet corner.
Don't try and tempt your cat out, as this will cause them to become more stressed.
π Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks and blackout their safe haven so they can't see any flashes outside.
π Keep outdoor cats inside.
π Put on some music or TV to mask the firework sounds. Reggae music has been proven to be very effective.
π Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your pet wants to join in, but don't force them to play.
π You could try home made thunder vests or put a tee short on your oet.
π For small animals during fireworks, partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out.
Provide bedding for small animals to burrow in.
π Consider bringing them indoors - this will need to be done gradually, so plan ahead.
π If you're a horse owner, try and find out in advance if neighbours intend setting fireworks off.
π Where possible, keep your horse in its familiar environment, with any companions to make it feel secure. If it is usually stabled, keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not close to the firework display area.
π If stabled, check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury such as protruding nails and string. If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is secure and that there are no foreign objects lying around that they might injure themselves if they run around.
π Ensure that you, or someone experienced, stays with your horse if you know that fireworks are being set off.
π If you know your animal will be stressed, talk to your vet about sedation or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
π Playing music on a radio positioned outside the stable can often mask sudden noise, distract attention and be soothing.
Keep your pets safe x
