Keep your pets safe on Bonfire night

Every year thousands of animals will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off. Animals are very sensitive to loud bangs, whistles and bright flashes. Every year, hundreds of pets go missing after running away from home after being scared off by a fireworks display and many end up in veterinary hospitals suffering from stress caused by the experience.

Below are some useful tips put together by Vivapets.com to help advise you on how to care for your pets on Bonfire night:

Small pets

Small animals such as Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds  are easily frightened by loud noises that they are not accustomed too. If you are holding a fireworks display in your garden or there are fireworks displays in close range, please follow the following advice:

1. Bring hutches, cages and enclosures indoors, or into a garage or shed, to shield them from the sounds and flashes from the display. If this is not possible, move the animal or the enclosure to another area of the garden, furthest away from the display.
2. Cover the enclosure with a thick blanket/duvet and provide the animal with extra bedding so that it can shield itself away from the display and sounds are blocked out.
   

Dogs and cats

1. In the hours before the start of the display, make sure your dog has been for a long walk (preferably before neighbouring displays too). If your cat is out roaming in the garden, make sure you know where it is and that you can get it inside before it gets dark.
2. During the display, make sure that your dogs and cats are shut indoors and cannot get out during the display. Shut the curtains and windows and cat flaps to block out loud bangs and flashes from the display and make sure your pets have some food and water. Turning on familar sounds like the tv or radio will help block out loud noises.
3. Make sure that your dogs and cats have readable ID on there collars, even if they are shut in, just in case they manage to escape and are found roaming the streets, this will allow them to be returned to you asap and prevent further distress.
4. Make the dog or cat's bed extra comfy or provide a den (eg under a bed or sofa) where they can hide and feel safe if they hear the loud noises from outside.
5. If you find your dog hiding or in distress on return, do not try to coax them out or cuddle them as they will get the impression that you are in distress too, causing further anxiety. Just behave normally. If they have chewed furniture or been destructive, avoid getting angry with them as this will cause further upset.
6. Never take your dog to a fireworks display or leave your dog tied up outside during a display. Excessive panting, yawning and barking indicates a dog in distress.

Horses and ponies

1. Never let off fireworks in or near a field where there is livestock or horses. Avoid letting fireworks off near stables or barns as the loud bangs will cause the animals much distress.
2. If planning a display in a rural area, contact farmers in advance so that animals can be moved from adjacent fields
3. If possible, leave someone who the horse knows well to keep checking up on the horse and provide comfort, and keep the horses routine as normal as possible.
4. If your horse or pony reacts badly to noise, and there is a display nearby, arrange to have the animal moved to a quite place for the night.
5. Be cautious if you find your horse or pony in distress, try to remain calm and normal, but try to avoid getting in the way of a horse that may get startled as you could get hurt.
6. Do not ride a horse during a display, as the horse may get startled and make sudden movements.