Nurture Vet Hospital has shared its top tips on keeping your pets safe and calm during the upcoming fireworks.

Emma Maguire, an experienced veterinary nurse at Nurture Vet Hospital, has put together some simple measures for making sure your cats and dogs cope during the Bonfire Night celebrations.

Advice for cat owners

Emma explained that many cats choose to cope during the fireworks by hiding, and owners should resist the urge to coax them out.

"If your cat chooses to hide under the bed or on top of the wardrobe, leave her alone. This is where she feels most secure," she said.

"Fearful cats prefer to cope alone."

Her key recommendations include:

• Bring cats indoors early on days when fireworks are expected, ideally by mid-afternoon, and ensure all windows and doors are securely closed.
• Use calming pheromone diffusers such as FELIWAY or ZENIFEL in the room where the cat prefers to spend time.
• Check microchip details are up to date, as frightened cats that escape can easily become lost.
• Encourage use of an indoor litter tray before and during the firework period. Adding soil may help reluctant cats adapt.
• Close curtains early and use TV or radio noise to muffle the sound of fireworks.
• Avoid picking up or restraining a fearful cat, as they prefer to cope alone.

She also warned that cats in multi-cat households may find it stressful to be shut in together. Owners should ensure each cat has enough food, water, litter trays, beds and hiding places so that no one has to share.

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Advice for dog owners

"It seems natural to want to comfort your dog when they show signs of anguish (panting, pacing, whining) but doing so too much may increase their anxiety," Emma said.

"Dogs are extremely perceptive to our moods, so if we worry, they will too.

"If your dog wants to hide, that's fine - it's excellent coping behaviour.

"In fact making them a cosy den (rug over a table/ under stairs cupboard /behind the sofa works well.

"Add comfy bedding and perhaps some treats to find or a stuffed Kong to lick at."

Positive things you can do at home:

• Walk your dog during daylight hours
• Feed a good meal earlier in the day and allow for toileting well before nightfall
• Before it gets dark, close doors, windows and curtains.
• Turn on the TV or play some music, to disguise outside noise.
• RELAX yourself and act normally.

To find out more about Nurture Vet Hospital, visit the website here.

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