Fireworks may help our celebrations go off with a bang, but for our pets it’s more likely to be a whimper. According to the RSPCA, it’s estimated that 45% of dogs in the UK show signs of fear during fireworks. In fact, many animals (and some of us humans!) find the bright flashes and loud noises distressing.
You may have already spotted subtle changes in your pet’s behaviour at festive times such as Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. However, it’s not always easy to recognise signs of stress in our furry friends. They can’t tell us how they feel. But, there are some clues to watch out for. If your cat or dog is displaying any of the following behaviours, it could be a symptom of firework phobia.
Dogs
- Excessive barking
- Digging up the carpet
- Restlessness, such as pacing and panting
- Cowering or hiding behind the sofa, bed and other furniture
- Trying to run away or escape
- Going to the toilet in the house
Cats
- Excessive meowing
- Scratching excessively on the furniture
- Over grooming
- Nervousness, i.e. hiding under a sofa, bed and other furniture
- Trying to run away or escape
- Toileting outside the litter tray
How you can help
The good news is that there are lots of ways pet parents can help cats and dogs cope during fireworks.
- Talk to an expert
Discuss your pet’s behaviour during fireworks with your vet practice or behaviourist. They will be able to advise you on how best to manage stressful situations.
- Build a den
A fun project for you and a place of safety for your pet! Give your cat or dog their own exclusive area to escape to when they feel stressed or anxious.
- Give your pet a calming supplement such as Zylkene
A calming supplement like Zylkene can help dogs and cats cope during firework displays. It is best to start Zylkene at least two days before the event is expected and continue throughout the fireworks period. Keep in mind that fireworks season can last well into the New Year.
- Update their microchip/ID
Pets might try to run away during stressful situations. So, it’s a good idea to make sure that the data linked to their microchips and the information on their tags is fully up to date so they will be reunited with you more quickly. Don’t leave it too late. Some people will start setting off fireworks as soon as they are available in the shops.
- Walk your dog in the daylight
You can be reasonably certain that there won’t be any fireworks going off while it’s still light. So, if possible, walk your dog in the daylight and encourage your cat to come in before it gets dark.
Follow these tips and you and your pet can look forward to a calmer Bonfire Night.
*https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks
This blog post is sponsored by Zylkene