Burns on Keeping Pets Calm on Bonfire Night

Animals are close to my heart and not just my own four furry felines, all animals have a special place in my heart. It's around this time of year when the fireworks are banging nightly that my worries turn to frightened animals who aren't quite sure what's going on. I try to keep my cats near as they, as most animals are, scared of fireworks. 

Burns pet food recently very kindly sent us over a couple of bags of their cat biscuits for my lucky little kitties to try and they loved them! They've also provided us with these fantastic suggestions that we can all try to help reduce our pets anxiety this bonfire night..

• Firstly, consider your pet’s food, some contain additives that can affect behaviour. It may be beneficial to consider an alternative diet. Burns adult diets contain controlled protein levels and are free from sugars and chemicals such as colourings. 

• Keep your animals inside and spend time with them to soothe their anxiety. Different people let fireworks off at different times throughout this period. It can be difficult to avoid the noise and stress as it is unpredictable. But keeping your dogs and cats in after dark in the run up to Bonfire Night and for a week or so afterwards can help avoid the majority of it.

• Make sure all windows are closed and lock cat flaps so that the pets cannot run away and put themselves in harm’s way. A typical reaction is to flee, so make sure there is somewhere they can hide themselves away if needed, if a dog is crate trained setting the crate up in their favourite place may help.  Closing the curtains and keeping the TV or radio on will muffle some of the noise as will double glazing, ensure the windows are closed to achieve the full benefit. 

• Don’t leave a scared animal alone if at all possible but try to ignore fearful behaviour, unless it is putting your pet at risk of harming themselves, to avoid reinforcing it. Using an Adaptil diffuser for a dog which may help them feel calmer through the release of pheromones or a Feliway diffuser for a cat, which helps it in times of stress and stops irrational behaviour. Never punish them for being scared, this could heighten your pet’s insecurity.

Burns adult diets contain controlled protein levels and are free from sugars and chemicals such as colourings. Based on whole grains the food promotes stable mental and physical health. Alongside Burns an additional meal of cooked porridge (without milk) may help calm your dog. Oats are rich in nutrients such as B Vitamins which are great for supporting mental well-being. 

Outdoor pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs may also be scared by fireworks. It will help to make sure they are shut in their hutch with plenty of bedding to hide away in. Covering it with some old carpet could also help muffle the noise and prevent them from seeing flashes that may distress them. You could also consider moving the hutch indoors, into a garage or shed during firework season.

For nutritional advice or to find out more about Burns Pet Nutrition please visit the Burns website

http://burnspet.co.uk/index.html