BANG!

Source.

I am estimating that the pre-Bonfire Night fireworks will start about... NOW. So, check out this very informative and in depth post on TV Vet Mark Abraham’s blog.  Well worth reading and following the advice - in fact I recommend the blog in its entirety for all sorts of interesting articles.  

Be safe, and a happy Bonfire Night to you and your pets!

HoundHead: A walk in the park

I've made friends with a lovely lady named Jacqui, proud owner to three dogs and a number of chickens.  Jacqui runs HoundHead a very well written, interesting and informative blog.  It was this post about dog walking that prompted me to get in touch as I found it fascinating and so true.  When we first moved here to London I had so many chats in the park with other dog owners.  We shared stories, advice and tips and the main thing is that Suki had lots of fun playing with their dogs in the meantime.  I listened to both sad and heart warming stories and it was a pleasure to meet these new people and their dogs.

HoundHead has many excellent, dog related posts and I particularly recommend this post about Fireworks as Jacqui has noted a few tips that I neglected to mention in my Seasonal Advice!

Happy reading!

Seasonal Safety ~ Part II

Bonfire Night is fast approaching and I have already been listening to the crackling of Fireworks.  Time for Part Two of Seasonal Safety.  

Each animal is different, I have known animals who are terrified of Fireworks and others that obliviously sleep through the whole thing.  Whether your pet(s) are scared of Fireworks or not it is a good idea to have safety measures in place just in case.  Remember that although Bonfire Night is November 5^th, the days surrounding this date are likely to involve Fireworks so keep in mind the advice below for this period.

Walk your dog before it gets dark and the Fireworks start.  This will hopefully tire him or her out a little.  

Keep animals indoors during the Bonfire Night period.

Make sure your pet has somewhere to hide if they want to.

Close windows and curtains and put on soothing music to mask the sound of Fireworks,

If your pet does show signs of being afraid, the best thing to do is ignore their behaviour.  Only step in if your pet is likely to cause harm to his or herself and don’t punish or praise your pet for their behaviour.

Advice for Dogs

If your dog is particularly frightened on Bonfire Night, have a chat with your vet about pheromone diffusers which disperse calming chemicals into the room.

Don’t leave your pet alone, allocate one or more family members to stay home.  Choose a quiet room in the house and distract your pet by playing with toys, if this is what they want to do.

If your dog has a friend that is not phased by Fireworks, it is an idea to keep them both together in the hope that your dog will realise there is no reason to be afraid.

Advice for Cats

Make sure your cat has somewhere to hide and once safely hidden, do not try to tempt him or her out as this may cause further stress.

Advice for Small Animals

If your pet lives outside permanently then soundproof their home with blankets but ensure your pet can still see out of their home.

For animals that like to burrow, provide plenty of bedding so they are able to do this.

If it is possible, bring your pet indoors during the Bonfire Night period.

This advice has been adapted from RSPCA.

  

Check back for Part Three in a few weeks time.

Fluffy Friday #10

This fluffy friday not only is a glorious fluffy animal to celebrate the weekend, it is also a way to help animals for you craft lovers out there.

These anti-firework balaclavas do just what they say on the tin, keep your doggie warm as well as muffling the sounds of fireworks with the ear muff facility, don't they look adorable?  (Yes, I know we're past Bonfire Night but there is always New Year!'s Eve) Bath Cats and Dogs Home are asking for people to knit these, as well as some other items to help them out.  More knitting patterns here.

[Image source]

Trouble at the Fair

On Bonfire Night there was a firework display and fair just a stones throw away from where we live so we decided to combine Suki's evening walk with a mooch around.  It was crowded and noisy in the park so we didn't stay long and after watching most of the fireworks we headed over to the fair for a toffee apple (Suki was having a lovely time and seemed completely oblivious to the fireworks and more interested in what delights people had dropped on the floor!)  Unfortunately we didn't stay long at the fair either after seeing at least two of the stalls giving away goldfish.  

One of the stalls was selling goldfish along with "Starter Kits" which consisted of small square plastic aquariums, the other stall was giving away bags containing 2 or 3 goldfish as a prize.  We spoke to the people manning the stalls and they seemed perfectly happy to continue with what they were doing.  Giving away goldfish at the fair is not only a very old fashioned practice, it is also cruel and completely unnecessary - what is wrong with cuddly toys?  It was very loud at the fair with bright flashing lights and lots of people, many under the influence of alcohol and who would not be responsible should they have won/purchased the goldfish.  Although it may seem easy to look after a goldfish, they are living creatures with feelings and need proper care and attention.

Under the Animal Welfare Act it is illegal to give a prize fish to an unaccompanied child under 16, but some councils have banned it altogether on their land.  I have written to the Captive Animals Protection Society for some advice of what action to take next so will update you when they respond.

What do you think?

Frightening Festivities ~ Part II

I hope you and your pets had a frightenly fabulous and safe Halloween. Although Bonfire Night doesn't fall until 5th November you will no doubt have been hearing fireworks for some time now.  Around where I live they have been going off in the day as well as in the night (which seems pointless as surely you can't see the actual firework in the daylight?)  Luckily Suki doesn't seem at all bothered, her ears just twitch a little, your pets may not feel the same way so check out the following tips for how to keep your pets (and local wildlife) happy and safe on Bonfire Night...

1. This is a pretty obvious one but, keep all animals indoors on Bonfire Night and a few days prior and afterwards.  This includes rabbits, chickens and any other outdoor pets.  If you can't bring your pets indoors (an aviary for example) then soundproof their home as much as possible using blankets (making sure they have enough air) and add extra bedding.

2. Although fireworks do go off in the day it is better to make sure your dog has plenty of exercise during the day, this will wear him/her out so when night falls your dog may just want to cuddle up and sleep.  I suggest keeping cats indoors as much as possible as it isn't safe for them to wander round when bonfires are being built and fireworks are being set off.

3. It is nice to visit firework displays but really think about whether your pet is going to be okay at home alone with all the lights and loud noises.  If not then I suggest someone volunteering to stay home.  If you do leave your pet home alone, keep the curtains closed and the radio on to muffle the sound of the fireworks. 

4. If your pet is distressed try not to add to the agitation by comforting him/her in a way that could cause further agitation (talking in a high pitched voice, becoming agitated yourself) keep calm and show your pet that there is nothing to be afraid of.  Don't punish your pet for barking or growling as this will lead them to associate fireworks with punishment making things worse, not better. 

5. Creating a cosy den for your pet where they can be quiet and comfortable, distract them with toys and treats.  Cats may prefer to stay in a wardrobe, somewhere dark where they feel safe.  If you have cats, don't try to cuddle them as this will cause further stress

6. If things get really hair-raising then I suggest having a chat with your vet and looking into investing in products such as a pheromone diffuser which can help to relax your pet.

7. If you are having a Bonfire Night celebration at your home including a bonfire in the garden please thoroughly check before you set it alight that their are no wild animals hiding in the pile of tinder.  Make sure the fire is out of the way of hedges and trees where animals could be living.  Keep your own pets indoors and well out of the way.

I wish you and your pets an enjoyable Bonfire Night, keep safe!

Frightening Festivities, Part One.

There is much excitement at the moment with the build up to Halloween and Bonfire Night (dare I mention Christmas?)  Although exciting for us, Halloween and Bonfire Night can be very frightening and even dangerous for our pets and wild animals.  In our own preparation for Halloween and Bonfire Night we should consider the feelings of our pets, to help you out here are some useful safety tips for Halloween (Bonfire Night safety to follow in good time)

Halloween

On Halloween night, the door bell is ringing and strangers in funny costumes are outside in the dark, this can be very daunting for dogs and cats.  Help combat their fear by settling them in a nice quiet room with everything they need and plenty of distracting toys.  Keep them calm and reassured.

It is important to keep cats in for the night as there will possibly be lots of people and activity on the streets which can be very scary, I am always weary of bad things happening to cats on Halloween as well so bear this in mind.  Ensure they don't dart out of the door when you are handing out sweets to Trick or Treaters.  It is up to YOU to take responsibility for your pets safety.

Halloween brings lots of sweets and chocolate (if you're lucky) and it's important to make sure your pets don't get hold of any of this.  Remember, chocolate is poisonous to some animals and sweet and chocolate wrappers can cause your pet to choke.

If you're having a party this Halloween make sure your pets are kept safe and reassured in a room away from loud music, keep them away from rowdy children (and adults) and ensure they aren't able to sample the food or drinks.

Dressing up on Halloween is all part of the fun and some people love to dress their pets up as well, just remember that your pet may not be very receptive to this and may be frightened, uncomfortable and possibly even irritated (I used to make Lucky wear a coat in the winter but the withering looks she gave me expressed exactly how she felt about that!)  Any costumes with masks attached are NOT a good idea either.  If your pet doesn't want to be a pumpkin don't force them!