Protect your pet this fireworks season

It is well known that the firework season can bring misery to Britain's pets. 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, says: "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 and Pets advice leaflet. It can also be picked up in firework packs, many national supermarkets or from any Blue Cross animal adoption centre or hospital.

More information

• Listen to our fireworks petcast
• Download our Fireworks and Pets advice leaflet.

November 2007