Keeping your pet safe from fireworks on Bonfire Night

A cat with fireworks in the background

Keep your pets safe on Bonfire Night

Streetly Vets top tips for pet safety during fireworks season

  • Keep your pet inside during fireworks
  • Close all doors/windows and draw all curtains
  • Turn on radio/tv
  • Make a den, somewhere your pet feels safe
  • If your pet is pacing, whining or meowing, let them. Your pet is trying to find safety so we would recommend you don’t disturb them
  • Reward ‘calm’ behaviour
  • Try to not leave your pet alone during fireworks season
  • Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop while you pop inside, or leave them in the garden or in your car.
  • Don’t take your dog to a fireworks display. Even if they do not bark or whimper at the noise, it doesn’t mean they are happy. Excessive panting and yawning can indicate that your dog is stressed.

Small Pets

  • Bring rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals indoors or in a garage where possible
  • Provide extra bedding to burrow and hide
  • If you’re unable to bring inside, try placing a thick blanket/duvet over the enclosure to block sight of fireworks and deaden the bangs.

IMPORTANT – make sure your pet can be identified

  • Make sure your pet is microchipped and the details are up-to-date and that they have contact details on their collar. Scared pets may bolt when frightened so this especially important.
  • If you aren’t sure if your pet’s microchip is still working or if your contact details are correct then pop into the practice and we can do a free check for you.  We provide a pet microchipping service.

Bonfire safety

  • If you are having a bonfire, then you should keep your pet inside well away from the fire.
  • Be aware of hedgehogs looking for somewhere to hibernate.  Ideally don’t build your bonfire in advance and always check there aren’t any hedgehogs in the bottom of the wood pile before you light the fire.

 

Brought to you by Streetly Vets in Sutton Coldfield


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