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With thanks to www.ukpets.co.uk
The Blue Cross has been heavily involved in supporting firework reform.
The charity advises..
ALWAYS: keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off, close windows and doors and block off catflaps to stop pets escaping. Draw the curtains and turn on the TV or radio. Make sure that your pet is wearing some form of easily readable identification - so if they do run off they have a much better chance of being returned to you.
NEVER: take your dog to a firework display, tie it up outside while fireworks are being let off, or leave them in the garden or in your car. Never walk your dog while fire works are going off or shout at your pet if it is frightened, as you will only make it more stressed.
The Blue Cross now provides a leaflet for anyone concerned about the impact of fireworks on their pets. Produced in conjunction with safety and animal welfare experts at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the leaflet can be viewed and downloaded from www.bluecross.org.uk or www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks.
DOGS
Whilst new legislation has come in regarding the use of fireworks, the likelihood of it making any noticeable improvement to your dog is minimal.
Safe Dens
Dogs by their nature like dens! Creating a 'safe den' to enable your dog to cope with the situation is the first step. Preferably sited in the middle of the house (better insulated), i.e., under the stairs, or if that's not possible, an indoor kennel sited in a quiet corner of a room. The area needs to be only big enough for the dog to be able to stand up & turn around & lie fully stretched; any larger & it may not have the desired effect. THE DOG MUST NOT BE SHUT IN THIS AREA!
The 'den' needs to be created a few weeks in advance of the firework season & the dog taught that it's a safe place to be. This can be achieved by feeding the dog solely in the under stairs area/indoor kennel & any treats usually given to the dog must be given in this area also. Hiding his favourite toys/treats in the area will also help create a positive association. If using an area under the stairs, the door to the area will need to be secured open just enough for the dog to get in & out. If using an indoor kennel, this must be covered over.
When the fireworks start, encourage (but do not force) the dog into the designated area. Close all curtains & put on the TV. or radio, whichever the dog is more used to (research has been carried out which suggests 'Classic FM' has more of a calming effect on dogs in a rescue kennel environment than other radio stations!).
Dogs must not be walked off lead during the firework season. Many dogs that are usually very sensible when walking off lead near busy roads have been killed during this time of year, due to panic. Dogs must also be walked much earlier in the evening, to hopefully avoid them being out once fireworks are being let off.
The use of a DAP diffuser (available from veterinary practices AND FROM THIS SITE) does help with some dogs, but not all. For those of you that use aromatherapy oils, there are some that say a few drops of lavender oil on the dogs bedding may help.
Giving your dog something to chew can also help. The action of chewing alters a dog's brain chemistry & helps to increase the flow of calming brain chemicals.
Never ever try & reassure your dog when he is showing any signs of nervous/anxious behaviour (not just in the firework season, but in any situation). The dog does not interpret what you are doing in the way you think. From his perspective, he is being praised for displaying nervous/anxious behaviour. If you remain confident & cheerful in situations he finds stressful, it will help him to feel more secure.
CATS
Cats tend to feel more secure the higher up they are. Thereby creating a comfortable & private area high up, will hopefully lessen the stress your cat may suffer. Site a bed/blanket/box on top of a wall cupboard or a wardrobe, obviously ensuring your cat is physically able to get up.
Again, keep curtains closed & switch on the TV. or radio & make sure the cat has access to at least one darkened room if he so wishes to go in there. Keep your cat in as much as possible during the firework season & definitely keep him in overnight with a litter tray.
The use of a Feliway diffuser (available from veterinary practices) does help with some cats, but not all. Again, some people have said they have seen the benefits of the use of a few drops of lavender oil on the cats bed/blanket. Do not try & reassure your cat when he is showing any signs of nervous/anxious behaviour, just let him stay hidden away.
Yawn and lick your lips..
Finally, the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (SSPCA) says play it cool:
"Many owners will pick up their pets and cuddle them when there are fireworks going off which is the worst thing you can do. We recommend that people yawn and lick their lips to show that they are not stressed so the animal shouldn’t be either. We usually see a significant rise in the number of strays dogs at this time of year because many of them tend to run away when they hear loud noises."
The charity points to a recent survey which revealed that at least 8000 animals in Scotland received veterinary treatment as a direct result of fireworks during the year.
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