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.

Seasonal Safety ~ Part I

It’s my favourite time of year!  We are in the thick of a beautiful and so far, mild autumn.  The shops are full of Halloween novelties and already I can hear the distant sounds of Christmas Bells coming nearer.  Now is a good time to start planning on how your pets are going to cope over the coming seasonal festivities.  

Although the most traumatic time for animals will be Bonfire Night with the loud bangs and crackles, Halloween is also a time to be vigilant.  Paw-rescue.org reports that every Halloween, vets see pet injuries that could have been avoided.  Here are some top tips to ensure your pets are happy this Halloween.

Top Tips for a Happy Howl-Free Halloween

Walk your dog before it gets dark and the Trick or Treaters begin to call.  This will hopefully tire him or her out a little.  This is to avoid lots of strangers wearing costumes which could possibly frighten your pets.

Keep all animals indoors during the Halloween period.

Before opening the door to Trick or Treaters make sure your pets are safely secured inside, in a quiet room with their bed and favourite toys.  The further away from the front door, the better.  In case your pet makes a break for it, always make sure that your pet is micro-chipped and wearing an up to date I.D. tag.  Ensure that everyone in your household is aware not to let your pet outside. 

 Keep the sweets for Trick or Treaters only, do not under any circumstances let your pet have any sweets or chocolate and make sure that this doesn’t happen accidentally either.  Sweets and their wrappers can cause choking and obstruction so ensure that you dispose or wrappers safely.  Chocolate is poisonous and can cause nerve damage and potentially death.  If your pet has eaten any sweets or chocolate and you notice a problem, consult your vet immediately.  Ensure that you explain this to all members of your household – especially children.

Halloween costumes are not suitable for pets.  Yes, I know they look adorable but they can really frighten and annoy animals.  It is unsafe if animals are unable to see, hear or breathe and if the costume is too tight it can cut off circulation.  Basically, costumes can be a recipe for disaster and it isn’t fair to assume that your pet wants to join in with the festivities.

When walking your dog around the Halloween period, be careful to avoid any left over sweets, chocolate and wrappers.  It is a good idea to pick up and dispose of any you do find in order to help out other pet owners.

Check out The Animal News in a few days time for Part 2 of Seasonal Safety.

In the meantime, 

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!

The Cinnamon Trust : Jack

The Cinnamon Trust is a National charity (founded in 1985 by Mrs Averil Jarvis and named after her Corgi Cinnamon), that helps the elderly and people who are terminally ill with their pets. The Trust works alongside pet owners to overcome any difficulties they may have in looking after their pet. A network of 15,000+ volunteers has been established to provide practical help with any aspect of day to day care that poses a problem. For example, a volunteer may walk the dog for a housebound owner.

"Pets are warm and intensely loyal. They do not criticise, they boost morale, they help reduce stress by providing emotional security, and they help to provide a fixed routine. Pets have the ability to bring happiness and laughter and lift depression. Communication with other people is often easier when a pet is present for reassurance."

The Trust’s primary objective is to respect and preserve the treasured relationship between owners and their pets. To this end it works in partnership with owners to overcome any difficulties that might arise. A national network of over 15,000 community service volunteers has been established to provide practical help when any aspect of day to day care poses a problem - for example, walking the dog for a housebound owner or perhaps fostering the pet if their owner is taken to hospital.

"The special relationship between owner and pet adds incalculably to the quality of life, but all the pleasures and benefits can be completely neutralised by intense anxiety regarding the fate of their devoted companion should the owner die, fall ill, or have to move to residential accommodation. If an ‘old faithful’ dies, elderly owners are often very reluctant to have another pet for these reasons, and life for them loses much of its warmth, light and purpose."

The Cinnamon Trust also provides long term care for pets whose owners have died or moved to residential accommodation. This is arranged between owners and the Trust to ensure peace of mind. The Trust enables the owner to keep in touch with their beloved companion with visits if at all possible or regular photos and letters.

I have been a voluntary dog walker for the Trust for a few years now, they contact me if there is someone in my local area which requires help. I have just started walking Jack the collie cross for a local man who is unable to walk very well himself. I am a petite 5.1'' build and Jack was so excited to go for a walk he very nearly dragged me on the floor! Seeing the pleasure on his face and his pink tongue hanging out as he trotted round the park was a lovely sight, we came back and he rolled on the grass happily before going inside for a well earned drink of water.

If you would like to volunteer for The Cinnamon Trust or know anyone who may need help with their pet please contact them on 01736 757 900 or via e-mail.

Animals in the News.

I noticed in yesterdays online edition of The Daily Mail there were a few animal related articles well worth sharing so thought I would post them for you. (Most images are taken from the newspaper article.)

Hedgehog Awareness Week

This article points out that it is in fact Hedgehog Awareness Week until 8^th May. This little lady (above) unfortunately has a broken leg but was thankfully discovered in someone’s garden and taken to St Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire for treatment and is doing very well.

Did you know our pets can be right or left handed? Even fish!

This is something I’ve not ever considered but apparently animals can be left or right handed. Interestingly, male cats are left handed whilst females (as demonstrated by Dusty, above) are right handed.

Beautiful Wildlife Images taken from the new book entitled Wild Wonders of Europe

For anyone interested in photography there is an interesting look into a new book which has painstakingly explored all the 48 countries of Europe, the variety of wildlife is spectacular. I have saved some of the pictures to my picture slide show screen saver.

An e-mail that will make you say “Ahhhh”

I often receive some interesting animal related e-mails and I just had to share this one with you. It is a story about a dachshund mother who has fostered a little piglet, it really is adorable. I can’t upload all the pictures unfortunately but if anyone would like a copy of the e-mail please leave a comment and I will forward it to you.

In Animal News this week...

Dancing polar bears?

A collection of 40 pictures selected as the greatest nature photographs of all time were put on sale in New York for yesterday’s Earth Day. Pictures include dancing polar bears, giant tortoises, and several under water images. Money raised from the auction will be donated to four conservation organisations.

Source

Brave Robin Red Breast

On Wednesday evening I unfortunately discovered a little robin lying dead in the grass. It looked like he had died of shock as there wasn’t a mark on him, poor thing. My first thought was to blame Rusty but there was a cheeky black cat hanging around so my suspicion has fallen on him. I happened upon a story in the newspaper about a bold little robin who has forged a close bond with a little girl and thought it was a nice story to share with you. It seems that the robin waits for the little girl named Lauren to come home from school each day and likes to take food from her hand. It is lovely to hear about this little girl loving animals and it certainly sounds like the feeling is mutual!

Source

Forget The Dog Whisperer, new Rabbit Whisperer on the Block!

A lot of people were amazed at the story about the “Rabbit Whisperer” who appears to hypnotise rabbits, putting them in a trance or relaxed state to enable them to receive veterinary treatment or to calm rabbits with behavioural problems. There is some debate over whether this experience is stressful for rabbits and one suggestion is that the rabbit relaxes their muscles but remains highly alert and in a stressed state.

Source

Planes for Pets?

One of my favourite stories this week… A new airline is set to launch in May but not your regular airline, it is the USA’s Pet Airway which will be flying pets from LA to the East Coast. Also on board the flight will be Pet Attendants who are the equivalent of air hostesses! Only pets are allowed to use this service but owners are able to monitor how their pets are doing. Sadly, in Britain, flights into the UK are forbidden from carrying pets in the main cabins (except guide dogs). However, in Spain it is possible for pets weighing no more than 17lbs to travel in a crate at the feet of their owners.

Source