Lots of pet guardians around the world dread the arrival of firework season. For a lot of animals, it can mean evenings spent hiding in a corner, pacing, panting and visibly stressed. This can cause lots of stress, for their guardians too, being helpless in being able to comfort them.
Over the years, what used to be a few days of the year has turned into months of relentless evenings during the winter.
This can cause a huge effect on our human stress levels too, with changing plans and sleepless nights. Becomes an endless cycle of worn-out pets and their guardians.
but what if your pet isn’t showing signs of distress during firework season? Great right? no signs of pacing, panting, they are just playing, snoozing whilst those loud booms and bangs fill our night sky.
Does this really mean they’re not experiencing any stress?
short answer no it doesn’t.. there’s lots we can’t see or measure as owners, and often, as trainers, we are called as owners can see unexpected changes in behaviour, out of the blue bites, toileting inside, or even unwillingness to go outside, even in the day.
we always recommend seeking advice from your vet if your pet displays any changes in behaviour or shows signs of distress.
This report from the conversation studied the effect of fireworks on geese https://theconversation.com/fireworks-growing-evidence-they-distress-animals-builds-case-to-restrict-use-191472. This just gives an insight into how the fallout of fireworks may be affecting animals more than we may realise.
Whilst I personally believe training for firework season should begin after the beginning of the new year (after all the fireworks displays have gone) It doesn’t mean you can’t do anything now.
if your animal struggles, speak to your vet and an ethical animal behaviourist/trainer about steps you can take to make this year’s firework season as stress-free as you can, and make plans for the next one.
Get in contact if you’d like to chat about how you can help your pet this firework season: https://www.hoof-paws.co.uk/contact/
This blog is part of Charlotte faiths Blog circle https://petbusinesssupport.co.uk/ and we ar linked to: Raewyn, from K9andKats – https://k9andkats.co.nz/keeping-your-pets-safe-and-calm-during-fireworks-season/
