PDSA issues fireworks advice to owners
Boo the cat who almost died
Ahead of Bonfire Night, veterinary charity PDSA is urging pet owners to take steps to reduce the stress of fireworks on their pets. This comes after a cat named Boo almost died due to the loud noise.
The 2022 PDSA Annual Welfare (PAW) Report found that an estimated 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats in the UK are afraid of fireworks. The Veterinary Charity for Pets in Need advises pet owners to take steps to reduce fireworks stress in their pets. Pet owners can download PDSA’s free fireworks guide at: www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworkready
Below are some of PDSA Veterans’ top tips for helping your pet on Bonfire Night.
- Prepare for “early morning” – Make note of the date of your local fireworks show so you can prepare. On the day of the event, please walk your dog early before dark and keep your cat indoors. Bring outdoor pets (rabbits, guinea pigs) indoors overnight.
- keep your home safe – Close and lock doors, windows, and dog and cat flaps to prevent your pet from accidentally escaping. Close all curtains to reduce light and sound from outside.
- create fireworks hut – Ideally, it will be easier to deal with it if you create a cozy space in advance for your pet to feel safe. Pack a familiar blanket, a favorite toy or treat, and even a pillow or cushion to absorb loud noises. Let them hide here whenever they want.
- choose a soundtrack – Play sounds to help cover up the sounds of fireworks and explosions. Choose music that you and your pet find most calming, such as music with a repetitive beat, loud classical music, or even white noise.
- Use a pheromone plug–in – These are scents that we can’t smell, but that help our pets relax and calm down. Ideally, start using it a few weeks in advance.
- Please be prepared with peace of mind – If your pet feels secure with your attention and affection, continue giving it as usual. If your pet approaches you, don’t ignore them, respond as you normally would, and stay calm yourself. This will give you peace of mind that your pet is safe.
- plan ahead – If your pet is not a big fan of fireworks this time of year, start preparing early. A process called “desensitization” can be used to teach your dog that the noise from fireworks is not scary, but this can take several months. The sooner you start, the easier it will be next time.
PDSA sees approximately 1,300 pets each year with fireworks-related issues, including injuries and phobias. 82% of pet owners agree that fireworks should only be allowed on certain days and times.
Boo’s story
Two-year-old tabby cat Boo was taken to Stoke PDSA Pet Hospital in October last year after his owner, Shelley Chatterton, 26, found him straining and crying in the toilet. Shelly said: “I kept a close eye on him as he wasn’t his usual active self, but when I picked him up and he screamed in pain, I knew something was seriously wrong. I realized what was happening.”
At PDSA, Mr. Boo was immediately hospitalized and treated for bladder obstruction. PDSA veterinarian Hester Stevens explained: “A blocked bladder means you can’t urinate at all, which is very serious and, if left untreated, is sadly often fatal.
“Although this condition is commonly caused by stress, some cats are particularly sensitive to stress and can be triggered by sudden or unexpected changes in the environment.”
Sherry continued: “It was late October, but the only thing that was different for him was that for the past few weeks fireworks had been going off at all hours in the field next to his house. They could often be heard overhead. They were very loud, but they were unpredictable, so there wasn’t much we could do to mask the noise.”
Thankfully, Boo survived the brink of death and was able to return home after several days of intensive care. This year, with the help of PDSA, Sherry has taken steps to reduce Boo’s stress levels and prepare him for this year’s fireworks.
Every day at our 48 pet hospitals, PDSA protects the special bond between owners and their four-legged friends. The team provides veterinary care to sick or injured pets whose owners cannot afford to pay the full cost of treatment. The charity has been connecting people and pets for over 100 years. Learn more: pdsa.org.uk/learn-why-were-special
