While Guy Fawkes can be great fun, looking at the sky full of fireworks, the noise and reverberations can be really traumatic to pets.
Tips for owners
- Reduce visual exposure and muffle sounds.
- Keeping a radio going can distract from the noise outside.
- Provide a safe secure indoor space. Keep calm and provide quiet reassurance, avoid inadvertent reinforcement of anxiety by excessive treat giving or making a fuss.
- Microchip your pet to ensure they can be returned home if they do run off and become lost.
- Ensure the effects of sedation medication are completely worn off before allowing your pet outdoors.
If your pet has a previous history of firework phobia (shaking, hiding, very upset etc) you should consider the following option to prevent this very stressful time for pets.
Medication
There are some newer anti-anxiety medications which are proving very useful. Some require use for a few days prior and others can be used just before (or if you have to during) an episode. Some pets require a combination to gain the best results.
Calming aids
These need to have a few weeks lead in time to be effective and there can be quite a wide range of effectiveness, depending on the individual animal. Each of them have websites with supporting information that may be useful for owners.
If you are concerned your pet will suffer from anxiety and fear this Guy Fawkes then consider making an appointment at VetSouth to ensure your pet has the most appropriate preventive options at hand.
- Oliver Young
