A North East vet has outlined the top tips to protect your four-legged friends from getting spooked by fireworks as Bonfire Night starts this week.

Westway Vets in Houghton-le-Spring is advising pet owners to prepare for the upcoming fireworks season, and stressed the importance in keeping animals calm, especially if they are unnerved by noise.

They have recommended cats and dogs be kept safely indoors during any fireworks to prevent injury and stress, and that windows and doors are kept shut to prevent them escaping.

Vivie Liu, a veterinarian at the practice, said owners should ensure their pets are wearing their collars and tags, and microchips are up-to-date should their pet run away due to the fireworks.

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The Northern Echo:

Ms Liu said: "This can be a difficult time for pets and their owners, with the fireworks season stretching over several weeks. We would advise people to think ahead to help keep animals happy, safe and comfortable.

“Dogs should not be left alone during this time and even pets that have previously shown no fear can become sensitive, so it is advisable to speak to your vet for advice.

“The biggest worry is that many pets will bolt through fear at this time of year so make sure doors and windows are shut.

“Providing a safe place where they can hide, like a den, is a good idea and there are also over-the-counter therapies that can help to keep them calm.”

Meanwhile, the pet service are expecting a rise in calls from worried owners this week due to pets being frightened by the loud bangs and flashes caused by the pyrotechnics.

To combat this, vets have recommended playing calming music to pets exhibiting anxiety, or distracting them with familiar sounds, such as the TV or radio.

They have also suggested playing recordings of noises made by fireworks to help pets build a tolerance to these sounds in the build-up to Bonfire Night, and other events such as New Year's Eve

In terms of over-the-counter solutions, they also recommend the use of diffusers to help ease their anxiety.

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The Northern Echo:

The vet has issued ten expert-approved tips to help keep pets safe and calm this bonfire night:

  1. Keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.
  2. Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before fireworks start.
  3. Shut windows and doors and block off catflaps to stop pets running off if they get frightened.
  4. Close the curtains and turn up the TV or music to distract them from the noise of fireworks.
  5. Ensure cats and dogs are wearing collars and tags in case they bolt and ensure microchip details are up to date so they can be quickly reunited with you.
  6. Avoid leaving your pet home alone in the evenings when fireworks are going off.
  7. Keep calm and reassure your pet to make them feel safe and secure. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make them more stressed.
  8. Prepare a safe place or ‘den’ where your pet can hide when fireworks start so they feel safe and comfortable.
  9. Cover rabbit hutches or aviaries with blankets to block out sight of fireworks and reduce sound of bangs.
  10. Bring hutches or cages indoors, if possible, or into a garage or shed.

 

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