Fireworks and your pets

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity is advising pet owners to plan ahead to ensure their animal’s wellbeing this firework season.

The charity is offering fireworks retailers and the pet owning public a free information leaflet on how to look after their pets during firework season. The leaflet has been produced in conjunction with The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the British Fireworks Association (BFA).  Every year The Blue Cross sees an increase in the number of lost and injured pets brought to their centres and hospitals during the festivities, and the leaflet gives tips on how to protect pets, including horses, from distress and injury caused by fireworks.

Ten of the top tips in the leaflet are:

• Always keep cats and dogs inside when fireworks are being let off
• Always close all windows and doors and block off catflaps
• Always make sure that your pet is wearing some form of easily readable identification 
• Never take your dog to a fireworks display
• Never shout at your pet if it is frightened, as it will only become more stressed
• Never walk your dog when fireworks are going off
• If possible, try to bring hutches and cages inside
• Give smaller pets (rabbits, guinea pigs etc.) extra bedding so that they can burrow and feel safer
• Keep your horse in its usual environment, either in a stable or outside, making sure it is secure and away from any displays.
• Try to stay with your animal wherever possible

Steve Goody, director of companion animal welfare at The Blue Cross said: “Pet owners are understandably concerned about how their animals react to firework noise. This leaflet is full of advice about simple practical steps that people can take to help reduce stress and injury to their animals.”

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. The leaflet can be downloaded free from www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact: Su Crown
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