There are still loud bangs out there

Bonfire Night might be over but there are still fireworks going off. Vet charity PDSA is urging owners to take steps to reduce fireworks stress for their pets.

Here are some of PDSA Vets’ top tips on helping pets:

• Prepare for an ‘early night’ – note the dates of any local fireworks displays so you can prepare. On the day, walk dogs early before it gets dark, and keep cats indoors.
• Bring any pets living outdoors (rabbits and guinea pigs) inside for the night.
• Pick a soundtrack – Play sounds that help disguise the whizzes and bangs of fireworks. This could be music with a repetitive beat, loud classical music or even white noise – pick whatever keeps you and your pet calmest.
• Use a pheromone plug-in – these are scents that we can’t smell, but that help to relax pets and keep them calm. Ideally start using them a few weeks in advance.
• Be ready with reassurance – if your pet takes comfort in attention or affection for you, continue to provide this as you normally would. Don’t ignore them if they come to you, try to react as you usually would with them and stay calm yourself as this helps to reassure your pet that they’re safe.

PDSA sees around 1,300 pets every year with fireworks related issues, such as injuries and phobias.

82 per cent of pet owners agree that fireworks should only be allowed on certain dates and times.

Every day across its 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA protects the special bond between owners and their four-legged friends.

The teams provide veterinary care to sick and injured pets whose owners otherwise couldn’t afford to pay the full cost of treatment.

The charity has been keeping people and pets together for over a hundred years.

Find out more: pdsa.org.uk/learn-why-were-special

Picture: Pixabay/moshehar