Something scary?

The dark nights are long with fewer opportunities for daylight fun. The wind howls, the rain hammers down and thunder shatters the quiet sky. Humans celebrate strange occasions with gruesome get-ups and fearsome fireworks…. no wonder this time of year can be scary for our pets. So, what can we do to help them cope?
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29th October 2024

October heralds the start of spooky season, which is brilliant for fans of Twilight, Wednesday and Harry Potter. However, for our pets, it can be a rather strange and worrying time of year.

Unexpected knocks at the door by creepy figures hoping for treats (not tricks!), howling winds and terrifying thunderstorms, not to mention the horrifying whizzes and bangs of Bonfire Night (and, just a few weeks later, New Year’s Eve). No wonder this time of year can be super scary for our pets.

Millions of animals feel the fear

According to the PDSA Animal Welbeing (PAW) Report, 41% of dog owners said that their dog is afraid of fireworks – that’s 4.1 million dogs across the UK! Previous data also revealed that the same fear was, unsurprisingly, affecting other pet animals – 34% of cats and 18% of rabbits.

PDSA says: “The bright flashes and loud bangs of fireworks might be exciting for humans but can be really scary for pets. This is because it’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t in danger when they hear/see them, and their senses are much better than ours – so they experience fireworks much more intensely than we do.”

The charity advises sticking to normal routines, distracting them with a fun game, puzzle feeder or toy stuffed with food, and making them a den to hide in if they wish, adding: “Comfort them if they come to you for reassurance – don’t ignore them, but if they want to be alone, let them (just keep a close eye on them).”

8 ways to make firework season less scary for your pets >>

Whether it’s fireworks or thunder, revving motorbikes, the hiss of lorry brakes or even the slam of a car door, for animals, any unexplained loud sound can cause stress and anxiety.

Pet Plan adds: “One large-scale study of 13,000 dogs found that loud noises were a prevalent fear, with almost a third being afraid of fireworks, thunder or gunshots. The sound, and sensation, of strong winds can also be unnerving for some canines.”

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Special care is needed when small pets get the scaries

Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, gerbils, degus, rats, and mice are also very sensitive to loud noises. If they live outdoors, during firework season, the best idea is to bring them inside.

PDSA advises: “Try to put them in a cool room so they aren’t stressed by the sudden change in temperature. If this isn’t possible, move their hutch into a car-free garage or shed. If the hutch can’t be moved indoors, turn it to face the wall at night, or partly cover it with blankets to block out as much light and sound as possible whilst still making sure there is good ventilation. Give them plenty of hiding places so they feel safe – cardboard boxes or tubes work well, just make sure they have more than one entrance/exit, so they don’t feel trapped. Give them lots of extra bedding to help keep noise out and provide a hiding place.”

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Pet Plan adds: “When we’re used to our pets being playful and confident, seeing them frightened and out of sorts can be worrying. There are plenty of ways to help. Generally, one of the most important things you can do is to stay calm yourself, as this helps to comfort and reassure them.”


6 STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR PETS DIAL DOWN THEIR FEARS

  1. Try distracting your pets by playing some indoor games – but don’t force them if they're reluctant to join in. It’s best to let your pets decide what they want to do – play or hide away.
  2. In the past, advice has sometimes been to ignore dogs and not give them a fuss if they are scared. But if you suddenly withdraw reassurance when they are terrified by noises it is likely to cause them to be very distressed. Canine behaviourists such as Dogs Trust advise that It’s OK to be affectionate and soothe them.
  3. While you might be tempted to keep your cat in one room, this can make your cat feel more stressed. Keep access to all safe areas of the house and they’ll be content in exploring their surroundings. If your cat is hiding away, let them be and don’t try to tempt them out or pick them up as this may make them more anxious.
  4. Avoid handling small pets too much if they’re spooked by something as they’re probably happier tunnelling into their hay and bedding with some food (such as guinea pig nuggets with Calm formula) and some healthy treats to munch on if they want to. Mini Bales with Rosehip are perfect for rabbits, guinea pigs, or chinchillas. Also try paper rummage bags or toilet rolls stuffed with tasty feeding hay, Wildflower Forage or Lucious Leaves, to stimulate them to forage and focus.
  5. Companionship is the biggest protector against fear for most small animals (not all rodents). For example, a neutered pair of rabbits or a small group of same sex guinea pigs are far more likely to remain in a relaxed state as their companions offer security and comfort.
  6. Invest in some feel good pheromones such as plug-ins, collars and sprays which mimic feel-good natural pheromones, sending ‘comforting messages’ to help pet animals feel calm and relaxed in stressful situations. For dogs, try ADAPTIL – a pheromone that comes in a plug-in diffuser, spray, collar or in tablet form. For cats, FELIWAY can create a calming effect on anxious felines. Place it in the room where your favourite feline spends most of their time. Pet Remedy, a clinically proven blend of valerian and vetiver, sweet basil and clary sage essential oils, is suitable for dogs, cats and small pets and is available as a calming spray, calming wipes, plug diffuser and battery-operated atomiser.

And, of course, you can always seek expert advice from your local veterinary practice. Writing in the Vet Times, clinical veterinary nurse Emma Gerrard advises: “Noise-related fears and phobias can be traumatic for both pet and owner. Veterinary nurses are ideally placed to give advice and support on how best to cope with what can be a traumatic event for everyone involved. They can help by ensuring clients with either a new puppy or a senior pet are aware of fears and phobias, the signs and the various treatments options.”

Off with a bang? How to help your pets overcome noise phobias >> 


NEED EXTRA ADVICE? Download PDSA’s FREE Firework Guide, which will help you make sure you've got everything covered to keep your pets safe and calm.

Is your dog a Burgess dog? Your cat a Burgess cat? Your small pets Burgess small pets? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers and rewards.

CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your pets from Burgess, the pet experts. Training, nutrition, grooming and general care, it's all here >>


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