As Halloween and Fireworks night approaches do spare a thought for your animals. It seems that fireworks are not limited to just one or two evenings now and many animals are very afraid of the loud, noisy and chaotic sound of fireworks and may be very scared of bonfires..
Unless your pet is not bothered it is best to keep them inside during this time. Dogs and cats can be so afraid they can bolt and run away until they do not know where they are and cant find their way back home or even worse may start to run across roads and cause accidents to themselves and others. They can be easily injured by stray fireworks so best to keep them well away.
Its a good idea to mask the noise of the fireworks with more familiar noises from the TV or music. If you can stay inside with your pet. Make sure that they go outside to toilet before the fireworks begin and stay with them outside just in case someone suddenly decides to start them while your dog or cat is in the garden.
It is best for you to remain calm, act as if nothing is happening and go about your normal routine in the home. It is not a great idea to start fussing over your pet more than normal or they may associate fireworks with something to be very worried about. You may find it helpful to give them a toy to play with or an extra chew to concentrate the mind and keep them focussed on that rather than what might be going on outside.
If you cannot stay with your pet it may be a good idea to ask a friend , neighbour or pay a sitter to be there with them for the evening.
If your pet is very afraid of fireworks it would be worth talking to your vet to see if any short term medication would help.
