Do fireworks send your dog doolally or make your cat go crackers (pardon the pun)? There’s few things more horrible than seeing your pet totally freak out over fireworks – if they are anything like mine, they will be shaking, whimpering and hiding under the bed until all the whizzing, popping and banging is over with.
But help is at hand. Actor David Tennent has lent the unmistakably soothing sounds of his voice to two films which have been scientifically developed to help soothe dogs and cats during fireworks. Created by MORE TH>N Pet Insurance, the movies are are playfully entitled Woofering Heights and Peer Window in homage to the Emily Bronte and Alfred Hitchcock classics.
In addition to these films, you can try to reduce the impact of fireworks by following the advice from vet Robert White-Adams below:
- Take your dog outside during the day and exercise them so they are tired. As with humans, physical exercise induces endorphin release, which amongst other things has a potent anti-anxiety effect.
- About an hour before expected fireworks give your dog/cat a medium sized normal meal. The feeling of satiety carries a potent natural anti-anxiety effect.
- Move your pet to the area of the house in which you believe they feel most at home.
- Cover the windows and doors, and turn on lights – you are aiming to reduce the impact and awareness of light flashes outside.
- Put on some background music at a moderate volume – preferably music with a constant and distracting bass or beat. You are aiming to reduce the startling impact of crashes, bangs and whistles from outside.
- If your pet is awake and active, try and distract them with gentle, calm play.
Does your cat or dog hate fireworks? Have you tried showing them these films? Give it a go and share your experience in the comments below!