GUY FAWKES - A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR PET!
REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE FIFTH OF NOVEMBER! GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND PLOT! .. and terrified pets!
Guy Fawkes is upon us once again and although it can be a fun and festive evening for us, for our pets it can be disastrous. So here are some top tips to making the evening a success.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON! · Our pets are very sensitive to our feelings and emotions so it's important that you remain calm and go about life normally. Relax, don't be overly fussy- just be prepared.
KEEP THEM INDOORS! · Most people will only set off fireworks after dusk, so try to walk your dog before then and make sure that your cat is safely indoors with all windows and escape routes closed. Put a litter tray down if necessary.
WHO ARE YOU? · Many pets flee in fear during storms or fireworks, if they can be identified they can quickly be reunited with their owners. Be sure that your pet is wearing a collar with some form of identification or, even better, is microchipped.
STAY HOME · If possible stay home with your pets. Turn up the volume on the TV or radio and close the curtains. Not only will this help to muffle the sound of the fireworks, your pets will feel that life is carrying on as normal. Do this especially if you have go out. · Your pet may still want to hide away in a room or under a blanket, don't try to coax them out or punish them! Allow to go where they feel safe, rather keep some treats on hand to reassure them all is well.
SPEAK TO YOUR VET · If you have a particularly nervous pet there may be medications that can be administered to help calm your pet.
DON'T FORGET THE BUNNY! · If you have small pets such as a rabbit or a guinea pig that lives in an outside hutch they may also be stressed during storms and fireworks. If possible try to move them into a garage or quiet area or cover the cage with a blanket to muffle the sound.
Please don't take your pet with you to a fireworks display!
Enjoy!
Kenilworth Veterinary Clinic
47 Kenilworth Road, Cape Town
kenvet@telkomsa.net
Telephone: 021-671-5018
