Keep pets calm at Halloween: New vets offer fireworks advice

With Diwali, Halloween and bonfire night all on the horizon, the team from Maggie and Marlow, which will open its doors at Prospect House next month, have issued a warning to pet owners to help ensure their animals are comfortable during the festivities.

Whether it’s trick or treaters knocking on doors, bonfire night revellers letting off fireworks or further seasonal celebrations up until Christmas and the New Year, autumn and winter can be an anxious time of year for pets.

However, Rhiannon Cartwright, a registered veterinary nurse and practice manager at Linnaeus-owned Maggie and Marlow, a new £1.5 million practice, says there are plenty of steps you can take to keep your pet calm and safe.

Rhiannon said: “This is the most challenging time of year for pet owners, as there are so many potential triggers of stress in animals coming up over the next few months.

“There are the bangs of fireworks, the noisy and hectic festive season, including unfamiliar faces and smells.

“All of these can cause stress in our pets and while some owners will seek guidance and advice, we also know there are many others who just suffer through this period.

“There are a lot of things pet owners can do to help their animals though, such as distracting them with active play, the television or some calm, soothing music.

“One of our top recommendations for pet owners is to remain calm. While it may be tempting to comfort a spooked cat or dog, this can actually be counter productive.

“If owners appear to be unaffected, pets will feel more secure and confident. Some pets could also benefit from pheromone diffusers and nutritional supplements.

“Also don’t forget your small furries outside – the noise and smell of smoke from the fireworks, as well as the flashing lights can trigger a stress response. Provide additional cover and hay or alternatively try and relocate them to a quiet room in the house.

“There are some wonderful, organised firework displays in and around Kidderminster, which often give plenty of notice around timings, so we would advise searching online or looking on local social media pages to get an idea of when and where these will take place.

“Remember we are here to help and please contact us if you need advice for the firework season.”

For more information on Maggie and Marlow, visit https://www.maggieandmarlow.co.uk/ or search for Maggie and Marlow on Facebook.

TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS CALM

Top tips from Rhiannon Cartwright, a registered veterinary nurse and practice manager at Maggie and Marlow, in Kidderminster, to ensure your pet stays safe during fireworks season:

• Always keep cats and dogs inside when fireworks are let off
• Close all windows and doors, draw curtains and lock cat flaps
• Provide a den, or safe space, for your pet
• Distract your pet with play, the TV or relaxing music
• Stay calm, don’t punish or praise them for fearful behaviour
• Let your pet pace around, whine, meow and hide if they want to. Don’t try to coax them out – they are trying to find safety and should not be disturbed
• Hutches and cages should, if possible, be taken into a quiet room indoors or into a garage or shed
• Give your small pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe