Fireworks aren’t reserved just for Guy Fawkes Night these days – Halloween celebrations often involve fireworks and as the nights draw in many an after dark party may go off with a whizz and a bang!
It is important to start thinking about desensitizing your dog to the unusual noises as soon as possible, especially if you have a young dog or a dog who you know gets frightened.
Now is the perfect time to plan ahead. You will have a few weeks to help your pet and time to seek advice from your et should you need it.
Using desensitisation methods successfully helps many pets. Sound-bites are available that simulate the random and unpredictable noises of fireworks. These should be played in the weeks leading up to the firework season, gradually building up the volume and length of time it is played. Your pet will then gradually become used to the noises and begin to ignore them.
A free MP3 download of firework noise is available at http://www.dogsandfireworks.com
The RSPCA have a great deal of advice on their website which provides more information for dog owners and also advice for those of you with smaller pets, cats, rabbits etc. Visit this link to benefit from the RSPCA’s extensive knowledge.
http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks
As well as working to desensitise your pet it is also important to ensure you provide a safe haven, away from the main source of noise and flashes.
Take your pet to this area several times before the event, giving him or her the opportunity to settle with a chew or toy for a while. It’s a good idea to feed on this area a few times too.
In some cases medication is the best solution and ideally this should be started 2-3 weeks before the firework season begins. We advise you speak to your vet for advice.
Fireworks can be dangerous to pets and humans so please….stay safe!
By Claire Fryer
