A BROMSGROVE animal charity is offering advice to help owners keep their pets calm this weekend after a study revealed a quarter of the nation’s cats and dogs are afraid of fireworks.
The study by Opinion Matters also found a third of cats and dogs in the country become stressed and anxious because of trick or treaters.
This means up to 11million pets in the UK will be frightened in the coming days with many may struggle to cope.
The Blue Cross advises pet owners to walk dogs earlier in the day, keep cats in at night and stay at home with them on noisy nights.
Claire Stallard, Blue Cross animal behaviourist, said: “This can be the scariest and most stressful time of the entire year for our pets.
“Many pets find the bangs and flashes of fireworks unbearably terrifying.
“Fortunately there is a lot we can do to help them.
“One of the most important things is to make sure they cannot get outside and become lost or injured.”
Nearly 70 per cent of pets choose to hide when there are fireworks, so the Blue Cross recommends a house-check as soon as possible to make sure pets cannot squeeze into unsafe places – like behind the fridge.
On noisy nights it is vital pet owners check doors and windows are firmly closed to prevent pets from bolting into the street.
Claire added: “If pets choose to hide because they are frightened, leave them be, so long as they are in a safe place.
“Some pets may choose to sit with you and get comfort from being stroked and although it’s upsetting to see our pets distressed, try to be calm and relaxed when you are with them as this may help them feel less worried.”
Visit www.bluecross.org.uk/fireworks to watch a video and download a free leaflet with advice on how to help dogs, cats, small pets and horses stay calm and safe over the forthcoming noisy nights.
