Fireworks Season
Fireworks Season is nearly upon us, and now is the time to act in order to make a pet friendly environment in anticipation for this difficult time of year.
What can be done?
There are several things we, as pet owners, can do to try to help
1. DAP(dogs)/Feliway(cats) diffuser – These are plug in devices, which releases species specific pheromones into the environment to promote calm and reduce anxiety. They are best placed near your pets favourite sleeping spot, preferably in a relatively small room for a higher concentration of the pheromone. (DAP for dogs is also available in the form of a collar)
2. Zylkene is a natural product made from a milk protein, and helps to manage stress in dogs and cats (and humans!). The capsule can be given whole, or opened up and the powder sprinkled on your pets food.
3. Give your pet a ‘safe haven’ – if your dog or cat hides during firework season, be it behind the sofa, under a chair or in a cupboard, make this haven easily accessible and comfortable for them.
4. Don’t go out and leave your pet home alone when fireworks are in full swing
These are just a few pointers, and need to be thought about in advance, a DAP or Feliway diffuser (or collar) will take good 2 weeks to be effective within the environment, so it is best to purchase them 3-4 weeks prior to November 5th. Likewise, Zylkene requires 1-2 weeks to take effect.
Neither of these products require a Veterinary Prescription, and can be purchased over the counter from our Nurses and Receptionists , who will be more than happy to advise you on how to make this firework season as calm and stress free as possible for your pet.
