Remember remember your pets this
November………
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Did you know that dogs born in October are much less likely to develop a fear
of Fireworks as they are around the noises when young and don`t perceive the
noise to be threatening.
50 % of the Uk`s dogs (that`s 4 million dogs) have a fear of Fireworks, but
what people don`t realise is that dogs can be trained to accept and some can be
trained to love the stimulus that causes their fear!
When pets are fearful certain stress/anxiety behaviors occur - some they
carry out through choice such as panting, ears pulled back, tail tucked down,
yawning and blinking. Some of their behaviors happen instinctively - such as
`out of character` behavior, snarling, trembling, spinning and pacing.
Ways you can help your pet and that means starting now:-
1. Chewing relieves stress so chewing should be encouraged - give plenty of
interesting chewing toys.
2. Many animals will not eat when stressed so make up a very tasty treat or
offer luring stuffed chew toys, it works to relieve tension when they are
settle enough to eat.
3. Manage their environment by making a `black out` area where curtains are
drawn creating a den - You can use a big cardboard box from supermarkets, cut a
hole in the box and fill it with lots of bedding so your pet can dig and
burrow. Ensure the box is in the center of your room away from doors and
windows, you can also put some toys and treats in their den to make it a safe
and positve place to retreat to.
4. The use of a Thundershirt (Please contact the surgery for further
information, asking for a nurse) and classical dog cd `Through a dogs ear` have
also proved to be very effective.
5 There is also plenty of anti anxiety medication that calms pets. Please
contact our pharmacy for further information.
6. Remain calm yourself! The more fussing you make of them the more it feeds
their anxiety! Remember `Less is more`.
7) Ensure your pet is safely
inside during periods of fireworks. Provide litter trays for cats when keeping
them inside.
8) Make
sure your pet is microchipped, if they do escape then they can be more easily
reunited with you.
9) DO
NOT punish your pet; this will only distress them more.
If you would like some further information please contact the surgery on
01787 372588 and speak to a nurse - we are happy to help.
At the Ardmore Veterinary Group we aim to provide the highest standard of professional veterinary care. If you find any of the information displayed incorrect please do not hesitate to call us. We are here to listen and assist in any way we can.