Rembember, remember your pets in November
The firework season may go with a bang for you
and your family, but it is estimated that
approximately 60% of pets become stressed
and fearful while fireworks are going off, often
when owners are out of the house enjoying the
festivities.
Pet owners should plan in advance and prepare
their pets for fireworks, to ensure that the
experience is as stress-free as possible.
Some animals become very fearful around
fireworks season which can develop into a phobia
so it is important to try not to comfort them during
this time. Animals will pick up on your anxiety
which can make the problem worse. Never reward
fearful behaviour with cuddles and reassurance.
You should remain calm and relaxed and carry on
as if nothing is happening, as fussing and rewarding
your pet is actively encouraging this behaviour.
Keep your dog indoors at night in the run-up to
bonfire night and also New Year’s eve, and ensure
nervous dogs have somewhere comfortable to hide
away. You could prepare a ‘den’ for your dog, so
that he has somewhere to hide during the fireworks.
Encourage him to use it by hiding healthy food
treats or favourite toys there. If your dog hides in a
corner or under a bed, leave him alone and do not
try to coax him out. This ‘bolthole’ is where he will
feel most secure and must be accessible at all
times. You can further help create this comforting
‘den’ for your dog by using a plug in D.A.P® diffuser
(dog appeasing pheromone). These can be
purchased from vets or good pet shops and help to
lower levels of stress. On the evenings you expect
fireworks it is advisable to ensure your dog has
been taken for a walk early in the evening before
the fireworks start. Make sure your dog is safely
inside and close all doors and windows and pull
blinds or curtains. It is sometimes helpful to play
music or leave the television on to mask the sound
of the fireworks outside.
Make sure your dog is micro-chipped, this also
applies to cats. If they do escape, frightened and
confused animals can easily become lost. If they
are chipped this will ensure they are returned to you
as quickly as possible. Keep your cat in after dark
and provide him or her with a litter tray they are
used to having garden access.
Cats that are known to be skittish, sensitive or new
to a home, will be particularly vulnerable to firework
noise and could panic and run away. Make sure
doors and windows are securely fastened. Just like
humans, pets can react in a number of different
ways when frightened. Owners need to be very
aware that, due to the stress fireworks can cause,
their pet's behaviour can change. Never punish
your pet for fearful behaviour. This only confirms
that there is something to be afraid of.
Try not to go out while the fireworks are going off.
Seeing you act normally will help your dog to feel
more settled throughout the evening.
If you know your pet has reacted badly to fireworks
previously it is advisable to make an early
appointment with your vet to discuss possible
treatments that might help your pet feel more
comfortable during this difficult time. If you are in
any way concerned by your cat or dog’s behaviour
both during and after the firework season, you
should contact your vet.
Open:
Tue - Fri 10.00am - 6.00pm
Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm
Here at dapper Dogs we don't just groom your dogs, we style them.
We offer a spacious studio where you can come and meet us, have
coffee, tea if you require and relax in your very own waiting room.
Your pooches also have a little play room of their own too.
Renata, the Stylist at Dapper Dogs is qualified to L3 City & Guilds
Dog Grooming and is EU Pro trained in Pet first Aid.
We work hard to ensure your visit with us is a great one!
147 Chorley New Road, Horwich BL6 5QE
Tel: 07459 425774
www.ddsgrooming.com
Pawsilicious
DOG GROOMING SALON
All shapes and sizes made welcome
Full Groom - Bath & Brush Out - Nail Clipping
Hand Stripping - Fully Insured
Spacious
Contemporary
Salon
26 Market St. Westhoughton BL5 3AN. Tel: 01942 812374
CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT
Take the lead and clean it up
Man’s best friend has had a role in society for
centuries and whether they guard your home or just
sit on your knee, all dogs have one thing in
common - they produce poo, and lots of it.
However, it’s unfair to blame the canine population
as it’s the responsibilty of the dog owner to ensure
that the dog's mess is cleaned up. Although there
are a great number of owners that do clear it up,
there are still some people who feel it is unhygienic
or simply too much trouble. However, it is even
more of a health hazard to leave it where it lies - on
our pavements, in parks and our children’s
playgrounds. It is also against the law!
The last survey done showed the number of
households owning dogs was 4.8 million and 21%
of households with dogs have more than one!
With a dog population of around 6.8 million, it is
estimated that 900 tonnes of faeces are produced
every day!
Then there’s the health risk of toxocariasis - an
infection of the round worm toxocara canis. This is
spread via unwashed vegetables and dog faeces.
Young children in particular are at risk due to their
weaker immune systems and because they are
more likely to expose themselves by ingesting the
eggs. A puppy can pass as many as 15,000 eggs
per gram of faeces, and are a major source of
environmental contamination. The eggs are passed
out when the dog defecates and can survive for up
to three years in soil. After two to three weeks the
eggs develop into an embryo state, containing larva
- this is when they become infective to dogs and
people. Dog owners can reduce the risk by poop
scooping when their dog makes a mess. Dogs
should also be wormed regularly - every three to six
months. Pregnant should take extra precautions
when cleaning up the faeces by wearing disposable
gloves.
Pike Moor Vets
We treat your pets like family
158-160 Chorley New Road
Horwich BL6 5QW
Telephone 01204 694004
53 Chorley Road
Westhoughton BL5 3PD
Telephone 01942 818845
Open: 9am - 6.30pm Monday to Friday
Consulting times:
9am - 11am and 4pm - 6.30pm
Open: 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday
9am - 12.30pm Saturday.
Consulting times:
9am - 11am and 4pm - 6pm
9am - 12.30pm Saturday
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