Your Pet Health Care Responsibility on Bonfire Night
Once again it’s that time of year. Bonfire night is upon us. We might have lots to do, with exciting displays to enjoy, but spare a thought for our pets. A lot of the pet owners amongst us can forget just how scary this time of year is for our animals. Many tend to forget that their pet health care responsibility includes ensuring that their pets are comfortable and not distressed. This is never truer than on Bonfire Night.
Owners who take their pet health care responsibility very seriously often feel as though they should be very affectionate with their pets whilst the fireworks are going on outside, in order to try and calm them down. If a dog or cat is on edge or a little frightened as a result of the fireworks going on outdoors, cuddles and affection could make them worse. Giving a frightened animal more attention than usual can leave them with the impression that their fear is justified. Much better to maintain calm yourself by behaving normally so that your pets can see that there is no reason to be afraid.
As far as pet health care goes, stick with the normal advice for this time of year. Keep all animals indoors on Bonfire Night. This is not just for their own safety but also for the safety of other people. A frightened dog could run off or lash out and bite. If a cat is able to get outside it could be injured by a firework or burnt if it seeks shelter in fire before it is lit. Horses should be properly stabled because they are prone to becoming frightened. Also, don’t forget to bring rabbits and other smaller animals into the house, garage or shed too.
Inside, keep yourself calms and your pets will mirror that. Playing quiet music or having the television on distracts from the sound of fireworks.
Sometimes we are forced to think about our pet health care responsibilities. Bonfire Night is an obvious example.
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