In the run-up to New Years Eve/Hogmanay, Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance is reminding owners to take extra care of pets. The RSPCA estimates that 45 per cent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.
Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance offers the following advice for keeping pets safe over the fireworks season:
If possible, walk your dogs during daylight hours when the risk of firework noise is far lower
Keep pets indoors as soon as the outdoor light starts to fade
Close the curtains and put on music to mask the sound of the fireworks
If using fireworks at home, keep your pets in a room which is as far away from the noise as possible during the display, or perhaps, take them to a pet sitter.
If your pet is distressed don’t be tempted to constantly cuddle or comfort them, this could be seen as rewarding their fearful behaviour.
Try to play with them as a distraction technique: buy a new toy or pet treats in advance of the night. Reward them with pet treats when they settle down
Make sure your pet is microchipped just in case they escape.
More info: http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks