Cat and dog owners told ‘contact your vet now’ – key date approaching

Dog and cat owners may want to start planning now, with a key date in November approaching.

Many of us know the Bonfire line, “Remember, remember the fifth of November”, but while some people only think about precautions on the day itself, the best preparation starts weeks ahead – and some people may need to take action that’s not as simple as closing the windows.

For instance, the Blue Cross advises getting your pet microchipped if they aren’t already. As it usually involves a vet appointment and a fee, it’s best to book it in over the next month rather than leaving it until the last minute.

It explains: “Make sure your dog is microchipped and your information is up to date so your dog can be returned to you if they are spooked by fireworks and run off. You should also make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag, even indoors, in case of an escape. If your phone number is easily readable you will have a better chance of being reunited quickly.”

Owners can also ask their vet about calming products such as Adaptil, which may help keep dogs calmer. If a dog is very anxious, a vet may be able to prescribe medication.

BVA says ‘contact your vet now’

According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), pets could face possible injury and distress in the run-up to Bonfire Night. This means owners may need to schedule an appointment with a vet to discuss options sooner rather than later.

BVA President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “While fireworks displays can be fun for some of us, they can be extremely traumatic for pets, farm animals, wildlife and animals in zoos. Each year, vets treat animals with injuries caused as a result of stress and fright, as well as burns.

“You can also take simple steps around the house now, such as creating a den for dogs and cats, to keep them safe and calm when fireworks start. Make sure pets are microchipped with up-to-date details in case of escape.

“Longer-term treatment options can be successful with professional input and owner commitment and patience. If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, you should contact your vet now to discuss noise desensitisation techniques, pheromone products and other treatment that may be appropriate for your pet.”

What are the signs my dog is stressed?

Dogs show they are stressed or anxious in lots of ways, including:

• shaking
• putting their tail between their legs
• drooling
• yawning
• panting excessively

When your pet is anxious, it’s natural to worry – but showing that stress can make them feel even more unsettled. Try to keep your behaviour normal and your tone calm, so they pick up on a sense of safety. Comfort them with gentle cuddles or strokes if they seek it out, but don’t force attention. If they’d rather retreat somewhere quiet, like under the bed, give them space and let them come out in their own time.

The Blue Cross concluded: “It goes without saying that you should never shout at your pet. If you have to leave your house during firework season and come home to find your dog has been destructive or toileted, don’t get angry with them. This won’t help and will also make your dog more stressed.”

What are the signs my cat is stressed?

Cats may be scared during Bonfire Night too. Experts at Battersea say that some signs your cat is stressed include:

• Rapid frequent grooming that usually lasts around five seconds, starting and stopping quite suddenly
• Aggressive behaviour directed towards you, your family or visitors
• Repeated pacing when in the home, often accompanied by loud meowing
• Reluctance to come into the home
• Vomiting
• Staring at the floor with a fixed, glazed expression
• Any noticeable change in your cat’s usual patterns of behaviour and routines
• Toileting outside of the litter tray (e.g. behind the sofa, under the bed, on the bed etc.)
• Crouching and looking tense indoors
• Wide open eyes with very dilated pupils which makes their eyes look black
• Withdrawal from you and the family, no longer interested in interacting with you
• An increased dependency on you or your family, constantly wanting to interact
• Rippling, twitching skin on their back
• Reluctance to go outside
• Scratching excessively on the furniture
• Spraying urine on furniture and other items around the home
• Aggressive behaviour directed towards other pets in the home
• Exaggerated swallowing and quick flicks of their tongue onto their nose
• Diarrhoea
• Excessive meowing
• Reluctance to play – having previously been very playful
• Frequent head shaking
• Constant vigilance and jumps at every sudden sound or movement
• Ears rotate backwards frequently or flatten downwards

If you are worried about your pet, always contact your vet.