With Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night around the corner, proper pet care is on the minds of pet owners and veterinarians, alike. Fireworks season, while being a time of celebration for humans, can be incredibly stressful and frightening for pets. However, there are ways we can minimise the negative effects fireworks may have on pets this time of the year.
Stay inside
Ensure you keep pets indoors when possible. If there are fireworks displays organised in your area, find out times and schedule your evening/night-time walks around it. You may want to feed your pet early, or even try and tire them out before it gets dark, so they sleep through. Under UK law, fireworks cannot be ignited after midnight.
Use music
Depending on how soundproof your property is, playing music or turning up the volume can help mask the sound of fireworks outside. There are dozens of canine relaxation playlists available online, on YouTube and Spotify, helping your pet remain calm, even when fireworks are lighting up the sky outside. These can also be a great help if your pet suffers from separation anxiety during the day when you’re out.
Manage your environment
Aside from the obvious loud noise from fireworks, the light streams can also create confusion and stress in a pet. Ensure you shut your windows and keep blinds/curtains closed to mitigate any additional stressors. You can also try distracting your pet with a new chew, or toy, keeping them occupied until fireworks displays have finished.
Make scents of it!
Much like a human may use lavender to help them fall asleep, a dog’s sense of smell can also assist in easing anxiety. Products like Pet Remedy’s calming spray contains valerian, basil and clary sage, which can keep your pet calm from Halloween right through to New Year’s Eve.
For more information about helping your customers keep their pets calm during fireworks season, contact the Covetrus team on 01387 274700