Keep your pets safe on Bonfire Night

Get your cats inside well before dusk – fireworks start early on bonfire night.   Cats who are particularly afraid of loud noises will find their own place to hide, under a bed is a favourite.  A cardboard box provides security and it’s reassuring if the radio is turned up a bit louder or you can play some soothing music – Mozart is good – although our cats are enjoying African ensembles at the moment.

Dogs who are scared of fireworks need more help.   A long walk in the afternoon so they are tired is a help.  So is a filling supper and hopefully, again with the t.v. or radio drowning out the bangers, all will be well.    Dogs like to retreat to a ‘den’ when they are anxious – behind the sofa or under the stairs is ideal.   Anything that will distract your pet is of benefit, a bone or treat sometimes helps.    It’s not advisable to leave a nervous dog on his own on bonfire night, he’ll get into a panic state and you may come home to find the room trashed.

In our experience, herbal sedatives are a great help.   Dorwest Herbs have a skullcap and valerian tablet that helps dogs and cats to relax naturally.   Whilst it works fairly quickly it is best to keep on giving over a long period.   Your pet will gradually become calmer and more laid back about life.    We have a full range of Dorwest Herbs in stock in our sanctuary shop – ‘In the Dog House’.   You can pick up a free catalogue of all the Dorwest products or we’ll be happy to post one out to you.  sae £1.00 appreciated.

If you’re letting fireworks off near farmland and open countryside please remember that other animals are scared of bangers and can be injured by rockets.  It’s not always possible to bring horses and cattle inside and they can be hit by falling debris.  Make sure you point your fireworks in a safe direction.

It sounds strange but there is one good thing about the credit crunch – so far there have been far less pre-bonfire night fireworks!