THINGS THAT GO BANG IN THE NIGHT!
"His ears are so sensitive that the least sound will send him running off regardless."
Since 1595, pets have had to put up with remembering the 5th of November and the knock-on effects of many other celebrations that call for fireworks. Today, so many good times are celebrated with the oohs and aahs of spectacular displays that do go bang in the night and, while Oscar provides the Complete Pet Care service, it is important to know that their pet customers do not suffer at the expense of human pleasure.
These events are happening more and more each year, without sparing a single thought for the innocent lives that can’t fight back. Many pet owners dread the season and preparation is so important for animals to be stress-free. Animals rely on their nose and their ears – hence why a sudden bang will sound like a huge explosion. Just imagine how they hear a firework!
Family pets need to be taken into consideration if there is the likelihood of a firework display in your area. Some animals will be upset by the sound of fireworks and insecurity can lead to a more serious situation. A nervous dog or cat will display a condition linked to hyper-alertness that could be compared to noise phobia in humans. A hyper-alert animal, under stress, will make powerful and lasting first time associations with the noise and any repeat will trigger an instinctive behaviour known as ‘ flight, freeze or fight’. Therefore, pet owners need to be prepared in advance for the onslaught.
“Jay, our collie-cross lives a healthy, active life; he loves his Oscar food and loves people but he hates noise. His ears are so sensitive that the least sound will send him running off regardless. It’s a worry and we have to prepare for every eventuality. Take it from us when there is advice and support readily available it’s well worth giving it a try.” D&JH Gloucestershire
Shelley Aspden, Oscar’s Pet Behaviour Counsellor, hopes you will enjoy a stress-free firework season with some of her easy to follow tips:
- Dogs find comfort in having a ‘bolt-hole’ which offers them safety and security.
- In the wild, dogs will naturally find a burrow or den to run to when their nerves are threatened.
- A ‘bolt-hole’ can be replicated in the home by providing a Dog Den or Pet Carrier.
- Introducing the safety zone needs positive training well in advance.
- Reinforcing the feeling of security is helped by the introduction of a scented object – an item of old clothing can offer the smell of familiar surroundings.
- Talk radio, on high volume, creates a background sound to help disguise the intrusion of disturbing noises outside the home.
- Cats will want to climb to different heights to ease their tension. Providing places to hide, climb or perch will increase their security and help them through the stress.
- A word of warning about wild animals – they too need to hide and a prepared bonfire looks like an ideal den. Look before you light!
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