The Fireworks are coming so get ready to Protect your Pets

Pets face many hazards outside, and with the seasonal firework festivities fast approaching and longer nights, it’s a time for increased vigilance and awareness of the dangers pets face outside the home.

To help owners, PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, has produced two new pet care leaflets, ‘Fireworks and Pet Safety’ and ‘Pet Safety Outdoors’.

PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury, says: “The noise of fireworks can shock a pet into running away causing it to become disorientated, lost and frightened.

“The main danger time is, of course, during the evening, so it’s a good idea to keep dogs and cats indoors, bring rabbit hutches inside and exercise dogs during the day.”

PDSA also advises getting pets’ accustomed to loud noises in advance. There are some recordings of firework sounds that owners can buy, which vets may suggest using to help pets cope with the noise. In addition, natural pheromone sprays that give off comforting scents can sometimes help.

Many pets can hear sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. So what we might think is a small sound, will seem far worse to your pet. “It’s all about making your pet feel safe and comfortable” says Elaine. “What you don’t want to do is add to their anxiety by panicking yourself.”

Find out when any big displays are taking place in your area. It’s also important to make sure pets are in a room where they feel secure and draw the curtains as soon as it is dark. It may help to put some music on, preferably something with repetitive drumbeats and make sure there are places a pet can hide, which is often a comfort for some animals.

Last of all, if you are having your own bonfire night celebrations, you should always check beneath the bonfire just before you light it to make sure there are no cats or hedgehogs hiding under it. Always clear away the hot embers afterwards and remember too, that scraps of left-over food can be harmful, as can hot spent fireworks.

Elaine concludes: “Noise, smoke, embers and sparks are all hazardous and can cause real distress to pets. PDSA’s advice is to plan ahead. Keep pets safe and keep them indoors.”

Pets also face many other dangers outside. For example, every year many pets are injured in road traffic accidents, so owners should keep cats indoors at night and keep dogs on a lead at all times when out walking to try to prevent any accidents. Getting your pet microchipped will also help should your pet become lost due to the loud bangs and bright lights.

The PDSA ‘Fireworks and Pet Safety’ and ‘Pet Safety Outdoors’ leaflets form part of a range of Responsible Pet Care leaflets from PDSA. The leaflets which include topics such as Vaccination, Identification, Dental Care and neutering, are available from PDSA PetAid hospitals and PDSA charity shops nationwide.
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