DO’S AND DONT’S FOR FIREWORK SENSITIVE DOGS

Do:

• At least 2 weeks before the fireworks season starts plug in a DAP diffuser as close as possible to the dogs normal resting / sleeping place.
• Keep this on all the way throughout the firework season. (Ask us for details)
• Take your dog for a good walk before dark to encourage sleeping in the evening.
• Feed a large carbohydrate rich meal in the evening, also to encourage sleeping. For large breeds wait at least an hour after exercise before feeding.
• Allow your dog access to any hiding places he/she needs to help cope with the
  fear, provide a comfortable bed and if necessary something to hide under e.g. a blanket.
• Black out the room with heavy curtains etc if possible to eliminate the flashes.
• Put on the TV or some music with a heavy bass beat to muffle the sounds of fireworks.
• Make sure the dog is in a safe secure part of the house and cannot bolt outside if startled.
• Ignore the fireworks yourself and adopt a happy no nonsense attitude to demonstrate that there is nothing to be afraid of.
• Try and distract your dog with games or treats if they are restless.

Don’t:

• Fuss, praise or try to reassure your dog when showing fear, this confirms to the dog that there is something to be afraid of and will reinforce the behaviour.
• Punish your dog for showing fear as this may just increase anxiety.
• Leave your dog alone when he/she is fearful, many noise sensitive dogs will become far more anxious if separated from their owner.

If your dog has been prescribed medication:

• Give the tablets well before the expected fireworks.
• If the prescribed dose is not very effective contact us to reassess the dose.
• If your dog has been prescribed Diazepam, this can be used retrospectively, so if your dog has experienced a fearful episode without your prior knowledge it can be given afterwards to block the memory of this and at least prevent the problem escalating.

If you really want to help your dog overcome its noise phobia, contact us after the fireworks season and ask about beginning a desensitisation programme.

DO’S AND DONT’S FOR FIREWORK SENSITIVE CATS

Do:

• Use FELIWAY SPRAY and/or a plug in a FELIWAY diffuser as close as possible to the cats normal resting / sleeping place, this ideally needs to be in place for at least 2 weeks before fireworks start. Keep this on all the way throughout the thunder / shooting / firework season.
• Ensure your cat gets plenty of outside time when they are not going to be exposed to loud noises. This will encourage sleeping at home in the evening and a more relaxed cat generally.
• Feed a large meal in the evening, also to encourage sleeping
• Make sure your cat has access to any hiding places he/she needs or likes to use. These are better if they are elevated places with a comfortable bed.
• Black out the room with heavy curtains etc if possible to eliminate the flashes of lightening or fireworks.
• Put on the TV or some music with a heavy bass beat to muffle the sounds.
• Make sure the cat is in a safe secure part of the house and cannot bolt outside if startled. Lock the cat flap.
• Ignore the noises yourself and adopt a happy no nonsense attitude to demonstrate that there is nothing to be afraid of.
• Try and distract your cat with games or food treats if they are interested, but they may prefer to hide.

Don’t:

• Fuss, praise or try to reassure your cat when showing fear, this can reinforce their fear.
• Leave your cat alone when he/she is fearful, they may prefer the company of their owner for reassurance.
• House your cat in an outside or flat roofed building as these have poor sound proofing.
• Allow your cat out until the storm has passed or fireworks are over.

If your cat has been prescribed medication:

• If your cat has been prescribed Zylkene, give this daily for at least 2 weeks before assessing the response.

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