Keep Your Pets Safe

With the noisy fireworks season extending ever longer, it’s important to know how to protect and comfort your pets this month

- Holly Louise Eells

There is nothing quite like a crisp autumn breeze, beautiful vegetation and warm, cosy evenings. However, autumn also brings a new set of challenges for pet owners, especially when the clocks go back. When temperatures drop, it is our responsibility as owners to keep our pets safe, protected and calm.

“Autumn is one of the most stressful times of the year. Both Halloween and Bonfire Night are hazardous events owners need to be prepared for,” says Hannah Miell, Animal Behaviourist at Blue Cross, which has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets since 1897.

“The bangs and flashes of fireworks can be terrifying for your pets. And be careful of decorations as cats and dogs can sometimes end up swallowing them, along with any sweets or chocolates, as these can prove toxic for animals.”

It is important to escape-proof your home, as your cat may panic and try to flee. Close all windows, close their cat flap and take care when entering and exiting your home. Perhaps provide a litter box, even if your cat is not accustomed to using one, so that they do not have to go outside.

So, what should we be doing to keep our canines calm? Tamsin Durston, Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust Canterbury, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and has rehomed an astonishing 6,857 dogs in that time, has undergone a signification renovation over the last 18 months.

Tamsin explains there are several points you should follow before the fireworks begin. “It is great to provide a safe hiding place for them indoors.

“Close the curtains, switch the lights on and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out the firework noises. Play games and enjoy some reward-based training to keep their mind off the loud noises,” she advises.