Pets at Home are inviting people to take part in their campaign to help inform pet owners about how they can keep their pets calm and at ease this Bonfire Night.
If you are celebrating Bonfire Night with your own fireworks, please be mindful of neighbours and their pets.
While many of us will be looking forward to Bonfire Night, it can be stressful and unsettling for our pets.
Pets at Home has shared five top tips for pet owners to help ensure that their pets remain relaxed and settled this fireworks season.
- Know the signs of an anxious pet – Common signs of fear to look out for include pacing and panting in dogs, hiding and hissing in cats, and stamping or a change of appetite in rabbits.
- Create a quiet and safe space – Pet owners should try to muffle the sounds and hide the flashing lights of fireworks whilst using familiar toys and rewards to build positive associations in order to create safe spaces for their pets.
- Try pet calming products – Anti-anxiety products, such as plug-in diffusers and spot-on treatments, can help calm anxious pets.
- Start creating positive associations – The use of treats and rewards to help familiarise pets to the noise and bright lights of fireworks in the run-up to fireworks season can help reduce their anxiety.
- Consult an expert if the anxiety continues – Reach out for support and advice from experts, including those at Pets at Home stores and Vets for Pets practices, if animals continue to show signs of anxiety around fireworks.
