Firework night and Halloween are stressful times for household pets – it’s the season of sudden explosions and monsters calling at the door!
You might be expecting to have to tuck in with your dog under blanket until all the noise and chaos has gone away but some surprising advice from the experts might make you think again.
Spinney Lodge Vets head veterinary nurse Sarah Wagstaff 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 Sarah.
“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 calm, soothing music.
“I’d also recommend owners of young dogs who are experiencing their first Halloween and Bonfire Night begin a programme of counter-conditioning with the first firework.
“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. Both ‘mollycoddling’ and punishing a frightened pet could reinforce negative behaviour. If owners appear to be unaffected, pets will follow this example.”
Spinney Lodge, in Kettering Road, which also has practices in Wootton Fields and East Hunsbury, is offering a free nurse clinic for advice on keeping pets safe during fireworks season.
For more information, visit http://www.spinneylodgevets.com/, call 01604 648221 or search ‘Spinney Lodge Vets’ on Facebook.
