10 top tips to keep safe and relaxed pets on bonfire night
by Northern Life
Bonfire night can mean misery for your pets warns Animal Friends Insurance
Hundreds of people and their pets are at risk of injury on Bonfire Night, so it’s important to follow the right advice and take some simple safety precautions.
It can be exciting for families but the loud bangs and bright flashes at this time of year can prove very stressful for pets on bonfire night.
Animal Friends Insurance offers the following tips on how to protect your pets this Bonfire Night.
Below are ten top tips to help keep your animal friends safe and relaxed:
- Don’t leave animals alone on Bonfire night.
- Walk dogs during daylight hours
- Keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
- Shut your pet in securely with windows, cat flaps and doors safely shut.
- Shut the curtains/blackout blinds to dampen sound as well as blocking out light. Consider a blackout curtain if your pet is particularly nervous.
- Play music or put on the television to mask the noise of the fireworks.
- Animals naturally hide when scared so make a den to provide a safe and sheltered place where they can keep calm.
- Distract dogs and offer cats treats to ease their worries.
- Don’t forget your outside animals: provide rabbits and guinea pigs with extra bedding so they can nestle in and muffle the noise. Move them into a shed or garage and cover the hutch with blankets or a rug to block out noises.
- Horses can be unsettled too. Make sure someone is with your horse during fireworks displays and distract them with food treats. Have a fire procedure in place and clear the area of any firework debris.
Elaine Fairfax, Managing Director and Founder of Animal Friends Insurance said “Every year, cats and dogs suffer as a result of not being protected from the loud noises and bright flashes of light from fireworks. In an attempt to find refuge, some pets can escape from their homes and become lost or injured.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for you and your pet. With a little bit of planning you can enjoy the excitement of Bonfire Night and know that your animal companion is safe, sound – and enjoying a little peace and quiet.”
