There are lots of things pet owners can do to help ensure their animals are comfortable over the coming months, with Halloween and firework displays on the horizon.
We’re offering help and advice to ensure it’s not a time of year for pets to fear.
Whether it’s trick or treaters knocking on doors, Bonfire Night revellers letting off fireworks or further seasonal celebrations up until Christmas and the New Year, autumn and winter can be an anxious time of year for pets.
However, our clinical director Roberta Duncan says there are plenty of steps you can take to keep your pet calm and safe.
“The next few months can be really stressful for pets with Halloween and Bonfire Night so close together,” said Roberta.
“First, there’s the Halloween visitors knocking on doors, which can unsettle pets, then it’s the loud bangs and noises of fireworks from the start of November and beyond.
“There are a lot of things pet owners can do to help, such as distracting animals with active play, the television or soothing music.
“However, my top recommendation for owners is to remain calm. While it may be tempting to comfort a spooked cat or dog, this can actually be counter-productive.”
We’re offering a free nurse clinic for advice on keeping pets safe during fireworks season, plus offers on Adaptil & Feliway products.
Top tips to ensure your pet stays safe during fireworks season:
• Always keep cats and dogs inside when fireworks are let off
• Close all windows and doors, draw curtains and seal up cat flaps
• Let your pet pace around, whine, mew and hide if they want to. Don’t try to coax them out – they are trying to find safety and should not be disturbed
• Hutches and cages should, if possible, be taken into a quiet room indoors or into a garage or shed
• Give your small pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe
