Fireworks Top Tips for pets

Fireworks are enjoyed year-round by people but can be a source of fear for many animals. Follow our top tips to make firework celebrations less frightening and less stressful for your pet. Planning ahead can help your pet cope with the firework season.

• Make sure your dog or cat always has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example this could be under some furniture or in a cupboard. Do provide a den or hiding place where your dog can feel safe.
• Do walk your dog when it is light outside during fireworks season. This reduces the chances of your pet being outside when fireworks are let off. Try to keep them on their lead, during the firework season.
• It can be hard to see our dogs in distress at this time of year, and it can cause a lot of worry. If you can, try to stay nice and relaxed on bonfire night. Dogs are very in-tune with our emotions, and if we appear worried and anxious, this may make things worse for them. If your dog does become very distressed do provide comfort and reassurance. But if this appears to make them worse, encourage them into their den and see if they will settle.
• Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks.
• Do provide distractions such as new toys and treats during fireworks season.
• Do stay in as much as possible with your pet during fireworks season as your normal habits will help them feel settled. The noise of the TV or music can also drown out the loud bangs.
• Try using Trophy Easy Going Herbs (available from your local Trophy Nutritional Adviser). Trophy Easy Going Herbs uses a blend of herbs reputed to have specific calming and soothing actions which can be beneficial to dogs that suffer with anxiety or nervousness and those that stressed with fireworks. Start to use a couple of weeks before Bonfire Night – simply add to their usual Trophy food, using the scoop provided.
• Do plug in a D.A.P. diffuser (available from your local Trophy Nutritional Adviser) in your dog's favourite room - up to 14 days prior to a fireworks party. It contains a synthetic copy of their natural pheromones to help increase the sense of security. Try with Trophy Easy Going Herbs.
• Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide if it wants to. For example this may be under some furniture or in a quiet corner. Do try to keep them in whilst fireworks are being let off. Lock the cat flap so they cannot escape, at least you will know they are inside and safe.
• For outside pets, partly cover cages, pens and aviaries with blankets so that one area is well sound-proofed. Make sure that your pet is still able to look out. Provide lots of extra bedding so your pet has something to burrow in. Do check that they are ok from time to time. Perhaps relocate  their hutch to the garage, as a short term measure.