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Fireworks Advice
Preparations for Fireworks
The following article is reproduced with the kind permission of Jon Bowen and Sarah Heath, both internationally renowned veterinary surgeons who exclusively treat pets with behavioural problems..
Whilst this article refers to the care of dogs, many of the strategies can also be applied to cats. A Feliway diffuser is the feline equivalent to the D.A.P diffuser.
All preparations should be in place a minimum of 2 weeks before bonfire night
Preparation is all-important if dogs are to get through firework night, or similar events, with the minimum of fear and stress. You need to make a special place where your dog can go to get away from the sounds he hates.
In most cases dogs will already have a favourite room to go to; in which case all you need to do is to modify this room to make it even more suitable as a hideout. Some dogs dont know where to go to escape and for these individuals we need to create somewhere to hide. It is best to choose a room that is naturally quiet and those that are located toward the centre of the house and have minimal numbers of windows are the most suitable.
It is best to prepare the refuge at least 2 weeks ahead of the firework event.
Advance preparation: creating a refuge:
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Install a D.A.P diffuser in the home, preferably close to or inside the dogs hiding place. This should be left operating
24 hours a day for two weeks before the firework event until 2 weeks after .(D.A.P is available from the Surgery or follow the link to www.petvetcare.co.uk. and order online). D.A.P makes dogs feel much more relaxed and confident when the might be otherwise stressed. Put in lots of blankets for your dog to dig and burrow in, preferably in a corner where the dog has already tended to dig or hide. Include an old unwashed piece of clothing like a woolly jumper so that your dog can smell your scent and feel comforted by your indirect presence.
The aim is to minimise the amount of noise entering the hideout room from outside and the dog must not see the flashes of the fireworks as they explode, so close the windows and use heavy curtains to make the room dark.
- Bowls of food and water are essential, and it is a good idea to make sure that your dog has emptied his bladder an hour before the display starts.
- Leave a few special chews and things for your dog to eat in the hiding place in case your dog fancies something chewy to reduce his tension. However, dont be alarmed if he does not seem interested in them some dogs are simply not interested in treats at a time like this!
- Moderately loud rhythmic music with a good beat is an effective way to mask the firework noises from outside, so put a hi-fi system in the room and keep the volume to a loud but comfortable level. However, every dog is an individual and if yours is not very partial to music at other times you should respect his personal taste!
- The designated hiding place must be accessible to your dog at all time, and it is vital to make sure that doors are fixed so that they cannot accidentally shut and trap the pet inside or out of the room.
- Get your dog used to going to the hiding place 2-3 times each day during the run up to a firework display by taking him/her there and giving him some food or a favourite chew. This will help the dog to understand that this is a good place to go.
- If you know that a firework display is due on a particular evening then give your dog a large stodgy carbohydrate rich meal in the late afternoon on that day. Pasta, mashed potato or overcooked rice are ideal, and will help to make your dog feel calm and sleepy as the night draws in.
- Make sure your pet is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times so that it doesnt bolt and escape if a sudden noise occurs. Keep your dog on a leash in public places and make sure that gates, fences and doors are secure.
(For some animals prescription medication is necessary, for this book an appointment well in advance of bonfire night).
If you have been given medication to reduce your dogs fear make sure that you follow the prescription precisely.
When the noise starts:
- As soon as the fireworks display starts lead your dog to the hiding place and encourage him to stay there.
- Dont get cross with your dog when he is scared, it will only make him more frightened.
- It is tempting to try to soothe your dog to relieve his fears, but this is the worst thing to do. It gives your dog the impression that there is something to be frightened of, and may even reward him for being scared. Also, if your dog comes to think of you as the only person who can soothe the fears then he may panic if there are fireworks when you arent around to help.
- Ignore your dog when he is looking frightened and only show attention and affection when he has begun to relax. Then you can give your dog a game and some food treats as a reward.
- Finally, it is a good idea to try to keep your dog in a happy mood by playing lots of games and doing little bits of training using food rewards. This will stop him from falling into a state of anxious tension, but dont expect too much.
- Ignore the noises yourself and if your pet is only mildly fearful you could try to engage your pet in some form of active game. Try to appear happy and unconcerned. It can help if you play a game with another pet in the household, because the frightened one may be tempted to join in.
- If your pet is very frightened by the noises and cannot be encouraged to play then lead him or her to the refuge you have created.
Lastly, having got through fireworks this year you need to start to do something about your dogs phobia problems. Many dogs can be treated using behavioural methods called desensitisation and counter conditioning. Specially make recordings of fireworks can be used to train dogs not to react to the noises they fear and a CD with full instructions can be obtained (from the Surgery or online from our partner site www.petvetcare.co.uk )
The following associated products are available from the Surgery or online from our partner site: www.petvetcare.co.uk.
D.A.P diffusers (for dogs)
The plug in D.A.P pheromone diffuser for dogs helps stop or prevent fear and stress related signs in puppies and adult dogs such as destruction, vocalisation, house soiling fear of fireworks and excessive licking.
Feliway diffusers (for cats)
The plug-in Feliway pheromone diffuser for cats allows the Feliway scent to permeate throughout the environment. It creates a state of well-being and calm. It is used in situations such as urine marking, vertical scratching, and changes to the cat's environment such as moving house or the arrival of a new baby or pet.
Sounds Scary CD's
For dogs with a fear of fireworks, thunder or gunshot noises. Developed by Sarah Heath and Jon Bowen, both internationally renowned Veterinary Surgeons who exclusively treat pets with behaviour problems
NEW Fret Free Herbal Tablets. Calms the highly strung and supports the over-stressed nervous system without causing drowsiness or sedation
Bach Rescue Remedy
Described as a "a first-aid kit in a bottle" for it's multiple uses, this mixture of flower essences, has a number of practical purposes to alleviate stress, fear and shock for your pets. Often used after a thunderstorm, during vet visits, during fireworks, car journeys etc.
Scullcap & Valerian Tablets
A traditional herbal remedy for symptomatic relief of anxiety, nervousness, excitability and travel sickness, and an adjunct in the treatment of epilepsy in cats and dogs. 1 -2 tablets per 5kg bodyweight daily or as required.
Not recommended for pregnant or lactating animals
Serene-UM
A natural food supplement to calm and soothe hyperactive and/or aggressive cats and dogs. Recommended for travel sickness, fireworks and thunderstorms or general anxiety.
- Totally Natural
- Totally Safe for Pets
- No Harmful Side Effects
Organic Valerian Compound
A liquid supplement in an economical concentration that is easy to administer and acts quickly to calm and relax dogs and cats. Use for those occasions when 'over the top' behaviour may be a problem. Add to feed or drop directly into the mouth. A few drops can be placed directly onto cat's bedding to help relaxation.
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