The Blue Cross says: Free your pets from firework fears

26/09/2007

It is well known that the firework season can bring misery to Britain's pets. The Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, today warned that many pet owners may not be aware that their animals can become so distressed that they can develop phobias, which may lead to severe behavioural problems.

The Blue Cross is coming to the aid of animal owners to offer some essential advice on how to keep pets calm over the coming noisy nights:

• Keep all animals indoors when fireworks are expected
• Bring rabbits or small animal hutches inside, or make sure the hutch is turned to face the wall instead of an open garden
• Ensure your pets are wearing ID tags and are microchipped in case they do get scared and run away
• Never shout at your pet if he is frightened, this will only make him more stressed
• Praise pets when they are calm
• Avoid picking pets up or over-comforting them if they seem anxious

Julie Bedford, Blue Cross animal behaviourist, said: The flashes and bangs of fireworks create a massive change to the usual environment of a pet, which is deeply unsettling and scary for them. They will try and run away from the noise or find somewhere to hide and feel secure. When pets are anxious or distressed it is instinctive for their owners to cuddle and comfort them, but this can stress the animal even more because they will think that their owners are worried too! The best thing owners can do is to let their pet settle in a chosen den and remain as normal as possible.

The Blue Cross produces a Fireworks & Pets advice leaflet which is available to download free from www.bluecross.org.uk. It can also be picked up in firework packs, many national supermarkets or from any Blue Cross animal adoption centre or hospital.

Listen to more of Julie Bedford's advice and find out how other pet owners keep their pets calm this firework season on a special petcast available from The Blue cross website from 1 November 2007 www.bluecross.org.uk/petcasts

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Notes to editors

Images available on request.
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Media contact
The Blue Cross: Louise Lee on 020 7932 4066 / 07880 781637 (out of hours) or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk