Remember remember your pets this November

14 October 2009

With Guy Fawkes night less than a month away The Blue Cross, one of the UK’s leading animal charities, has revealed the true impact of fireworks on the nation’s pets. An online survey conducted by the charity revealed that over half of pet owners admitted their pets were ‘terrified’ of fireworks and a further 18% said their pets would ‘run and hide’. The charity is urging pet owners to start preparing now to ease the stress felt by many animals on the noisy nights ahead.

Julie Bedford, head of animal behaviour at The Blue Cross explains: “Fireworks can be extremely frightening for animals and they will try anything to escape the bangs and flashes. We’ve seen pets who have been so scared they have injured themselves trying to get away. Some have even been killed after bolting from the house in front of a passing car. It’s vital to make sure your pets are safely indoors well before the fireworks start and provide a ‘den’ for them, so that they have safe places to hide.”

Wendy Walker became extremely worried about her Jack Russell terrier, Oscar, because every year around fireworks night he barks, screams and charges about the house. She sought advice from Blue Cross behaviourists who recommended that Oscar learnt to associate fireworks with fun and relaxation which has had a calming effect on him.

Julie adds: “In Oscar’s case some simple advice transformed his experience of fireworks. Many pets will be a lot happier with somewhere safe to hide so if your pet has a particular place in the home where they like to go, perhaps behind the TV or under the stairs, make sure they can get there easily if startled by a firework. Don’t try and coax your pet out of their chosen den, just let them stay there until they feel it is safe enough to come out on their own.”

Pet owners are advised to start preparing new dens now so that pets get used to them and can quickly find them when the fireworks start in the next few weeks. Clear a space under the bed and put down some of your old clothes or make room in a cupboard, leave the door ajar so they can come and go when they like. A cardboard box filled with blankets is a cosy hiding place. You could tuck in a few of their favourite treats too, although some pets might be too frightened to eat them. 

Other top tips include:

Keep pets indoors and make sure you provide as calm an environment as possible

Avoid comforting pets because they will only think you are afraid too, which will make them worse. Instead, praise and reward your pet if they are being calm.

Ensure pets are wearing ID tags and are microchipped in case they escape.

Draw the curtains and if pets are used to sounds from the TV or radio switch them on (not too loudly).

Rabbits or small animals kept outside should be brought indoors, or make sure their hutch is turned to face the wall.

Try not to leave your pet alone if they are stressed at fireworks time. If you do go out try not to be cross with them if they have been destructive. Telling off a scared animal will just make them much worse.

The Blue Cross leaflet on pets and Fireworks & Pets and a fireworks ‘petcast’ are available to download free from www.bluecross.org.uk/fireworks. Leaflets can also be picked up at Blue Cross hospitals and animal adoption centres.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Images of animals in their ‘dens’ are available, please contact the press office.

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine 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. 

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact

Blue Cross press office- 020 7932 4060 or press@bluecross.org.uk