MEDIA RELEASE 31 October 2013

Keeping Pets Happy and Safe This Fireworks Season

Tomorrow fireworks go on sale to the public - marking a fun-filled event for humans but a generally terrifying time for pets.  

Any loud noises and bright flashes are distressing for animals, and with over 68%* New Zealand households home to a pet, Pet.co.nz is reminding Kiwis to take extra special care of their furry friends over the fireworks season.

Dr Patrick Foley, veterinary partner of Pet.co.nz and Vetwise Founder says animal fear and anxiety at this time is to be expected.

“Guy Fawkes turns your pet’s usually controlled environment into a battleground - which is amplified by the fact that it only happens once a year,” he says.  “Any loud noises and bright flashes are reasons for animals to be afraid and seek safety.  

“Cat and dog hearing is also two to three times that of a human which makes them especially sensitive to firework cracks and booms.  It’s not only terrifying - it’s also painful for them.”

Dr Patrick says that taking a few simple steps to alleviate pet stress and anxiety allows owners to sit back and enjoy the Guy Fawkes fun.  

“It’s worth investing in an over the counter calmative preparation such as Feliway for cats or DAP for dogs - two products that contain synthetic copies of natural hormones promoting calm behaviour,” he adds. “Thundershirts are also brilliant; similar to swaddling a baby, they apply a constant pressure, which has a calming effect on most dogs or cats if they’re anxious, fearful or over excited.”

Dr Patrick recommends people to talk to their vet if they have any serious concerns about their pet’s behaviour.

Tips from Dr Patrick to keeping your pets happy, safe and calm this Guy Fawkes
• Never let off fireworks close to animals
• Stay home with your pets and keep them indoors. Provide them with a safe area if possible; draw curtains, play some background noise such as a stereo, TV or radio - and maybe even a bed to hide under.  Provide a litter tray for your cat.
• Don’t make a fuss. Telling your pet off and growling at it will only heighten any anxiety they may be feeling. Equally, if you fuss too much it may only reinforce their fears and behaviours. The best thing you can do is ignore them or engage them in another activity such as a game or new toy to distract them.
• There are some excellent over the counter calmative preparations (available from Pet.co.nz) such as Feliway for cats and DAP for dogs. Both of these products contain synthetic copies of natural hormones that promote calm, safe, secure behaviour.
• Speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns. If necessary, they may recommend and provide safe, effective sedatives following a consultation.
• Remember to ensure that your pets are registered and microchipped and have clearly identifiable name and phone number on their collar – just in case they do get out and run for it.
• Remember your larger pets. Horses and farm animals need to be moved away from fireworks areas and be in safe paddocks or stabled.

Top Pet Calmers from Pet.co.nz
1. Feliway for cats: is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone, used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in the cat’s local environment and can be used to help comfort and reassure cats while they cope with a challenging situation. Helps prevent or reduce stress. From $63.43 on Pet.co.nz
2. D.A.P for dogs: Dog appeasing pheromones are used to keep your dog calm under stressful situations and comes in a spray or convenient refillable diffuser.  From $59.39 on Pet.co.nz
3. Thundershirt: uses gentle hugging to calm your dog. Constant pressure has a dramatic calming effect for most dogs and cats if they are anxious, fearful or over excited. Also great for travel and separation anxiety - and highly recommended vets and dog trainers. From $63.99 on Pet.co.nz
4. BioPet: A blend of homeopathic remedies to calm your pet without sedating them. Completely natural and yet so effective, it can be put into the water bowl or given orally every day without any risk of side effects.
5. Silberhorn PetCalm: Contains Hop, Skullcap, Valerian, St Johns Wort and Passiflora extract in a capsule form. All natural and perfect for when your pet faces stressful times. From $19.99 on Pet.co.nz
6. Bradfields Pet Calmer: a unique blend of seven flower essences including chamomile and lavender to reduce anxiety, fear and nervousness. From $37.05 on Pet.co.nz
Visit www.pet.co.nz for more information
* The New Zealand Animal Companion Council. 2011. Survey: Companion Animals in New Zealand - July 2011.

ENDS

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