Remember, Remember your pets this

November

Prepare now for firework season!

10% OFF DAPS and Feliway diffusers and collars throughout September and October 2011. They mimic the calming pheromone given off by mothers and can be used to help sooth your pet around this time. Start using them mid October so that your pet is already benefiting from the pheromone before the fireworks start.

How to keep your pet calm

Firstly, CLICK HERE for a list of symptoms to look out for.

1-2 weeks before the event

Create a den area in the most popular room in the house where they will feel safe. Incorporate toys, water and food. It might be under a desk or table - somewhere where they feel sheltered and safe.
Plug in an appropriate diffuser - D.A.P. (dog appeasing pheromone), or Feliway (cat appeasing pheromone). This should be in the same room as the den. Collars are also available for dogs.
Make sure your pet has clear identification, preferably a microchip, as pets are known to panic and bolt when they are scared

On the day of the event

If you have a dog, remember to walk them before it gets dark
Feed your pet a good carbohydrate rich meal late in the afternoon so that they have a full stomach over the evening (do not do this if they are prone to diarrhoea)
Make sure the room your pet is in is blackened out at sundown and that they have some toys, and something for you to do as well so they are not abandoned in the room. This removes further problems from the flashing lights
Put some loud music on, preferably something with lots of drum beats
Ignore the noises yourself and try in engage in an active game with your pet
Do not fuss or reassure your pet when they are scared, as this will only reward their behaviour. If they do react, play with them once they have calmed down
Make sure your pet is kept inside, safe and secure, so that they don't bolt when they hear fireworks.

After the event

Leave the appeasing diffuser in for 2 weeks
Don't ignore the problem as it only happens once or twice a year. Instigate a desensitization programme - ask at the surgery for details