Pets and Fireworks
The loud bangs and pretty lights can be fun for us, but with their acute hearing, many pets find firework noise and flashes frightening.
How to Calm Pets During Fireworks
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Make sure your cat or dog always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard
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During firework seasons, walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off
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At nightfall, close windows and curtains and put on music to mask and muffle the sound of fireworks
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Never punish or fuss over your pet when it's scared as this will only make things worse in the long run
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Make sure your cat or dog is always kept in a safe and secure environment and can't escape if there's a sudden noise. Have your pet microchipped in case they do escape
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Never ever take a dog to a fireworks display even if they don't make any noise, it's still highly likely to be a stressful situation for them.
Don't Forget Small Animals
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Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out
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Provide bedding small animals can burrow in
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Consider bringing them indoors - this will need to be done gradually so plan ahead.
Pheromone
Plug-in Diffusers
Plug-in diffusers such as Feliway are great for households with anxious cats.
Simply plug them in where your cat spends the majority of its time and the pheromones help to soothe your cat during stressful times.
Try using it a couple of weeks before firework season begins to see if it makes a difference.
Top Tips Video
Watch the RSPCA's top tips on keeping your pets safe and happy this fireworks season in their short three minute video.