Preparing for Fireworks and storms is crucial for your pet, act now don't delay!

Festive season is approaching, and with it, the most stressful time of year for all pet owners. No, I’m not talking about the dreaded visit from the in laws, I’m talking about firework season. Add to that the summer storms that rattle the window frames, and it can be a very unpleasant time to be an unsuspecting animal.

For those pets with known noise phobias, you may already have a plan in place for dealing with these events, but for first time pet owners or owners of new pets, it is easy to be caught unawares. If you are unsure about how your pet will react, it is better to be prepared.

So, how do you know your pet is anxious? There are some obvious signs, like hiding away, urinating where they stand, whimpering, and shaking.

There are also more subtle signs like tail tucking, flattening ears back, and salivating. 

Your pet may display some or all of these signs, or other vague behavioural changes. If you are unsure, please speak to your vet.

If you know that a big storm or a fireworks display is imminent, you can prepare a safe space inside for your pet. The ideal space is a room that can be sealed off, with a place to hide (under the bed or in a strategically placed box), windows that can be closed to block out noise and curtains to dull any flashing lights. It can also help to play a TV or radio to drown out some of the noise.

For large dogs, it may be necessary to close them in the garage. If this is the case, don’t forget to remove all potential chemical hazards (fuel cans, paint tins, rat poison, etc).

If you can sit with your pet during these events, it will also help to calm them, but do not grip them or fuss over them as they will then feed off your anxiety.

Ideally, you want your pet settled into their room an hour or two before any noise is anticipated. 

If you are unsure as to whether your pet needs medication, please speak to your vet at least 2 weeks before you are likely to need it. Over the counter medications work best when they have been in the pet’s system for a while already. Prescription medications have a much quicker onset of action but can ONLY be dispensed by a veterinarian who has seen your pet within the last 6 months, so plan accordingly.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our pets get out. Should this happen, a collar with a tag is the easiest way to ensure a speedy reunion. Most runaway animals are found a few houses down from where they started. A tag allows their finder to contact you directly, saving a trip to the nearest vet or SPCA.

In the event that this collar breaks or comes off, a microchip implanted under the skin will allow your local vet to reunite you with your pet.

There are also several pet tracker devices that can be used (examples include the TailMe GPS collar or Apple AirTags)

Ultimately, we can relieve a lot of our pets’ anxiety through simple forward planning, so don’t delay, chat to us today about your pets needs, and may you all have a safe and happy festive season.

Article written by Dr Kirsten Perling