Pet Safety this Guy Fawkes is More Than Common-sense

Pet Safety this Guy Fawkes is More Than Common-sense

Kiwis are a nation of animal lovers with research from Roy Morgan released in July this year, revealing that more than half (58%) of Kiwis own at least one cat and/or dog.*

So for many families Guy Fawkes can be a stressful time especially when their beloved pets show signs of anxiety, stress and in some cases are paralysed with fear. More often than not, owners have little idea of how to comfort them.

Dr. Jonathan Robinson, a vet affiliated to Animates, has put together five top tips to help families care for their pets:

Feed them before the fireworks start, a full stomach makes them sleepy and can help them relax

Have your pet’s bed and favourite toy ready for them inside

Keep your pets inside with the curtains closed, before it gets dark

Turn on some music or the TV to disguise external noise

For small pets or birds, partially cover their cages or enclosures with a blanket

Dr. Robinson commented, “The startling sights and sporadic bursts of sound that come with fireworks can be very frightening for any animal so it’s important to take some preventative measures.

“For example it’s an animal’s natural instinct to hide, so getting them inside and keeping them in is key.”

A range of products is available specifically designed to comfort pets during times of stress. The ‘Thundershirt’ is an ingeniously simple device. A pressure shirt of sorts, it provides a gentle, constant pressure that has a dramatic, calming effect for most pets if they are anxious, fearful or overexcited. Adaptil (for dogs) and Feliway (for cats) are pheromone products which help reduce stress, and BioPet Courage has been especially designed for pets troubled by loud noises. All products are available from Animates stores nationwide or online at www.animates.co.nz

ENDS

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