The Essential Guide Magazine Lymm - Nov/Dec 14 | Page 10

Essential Feature Willows Vet Whilst the majority of humans like fireworks it is estimated that 80% of owners have lived with a pet that has showed signs of fear or distress related to fireworks. Because pets only hear fireworks for a limited time each year they do not have the opportunity to become desensitised to the noise and when fireworks are let off it can cause stress not only for pets but for their owners as well. Animals also have sensitive hearing and loud bangs and whistles can cause them pain. Willows Veterinary Group has created a website to give pet owners tips and advice on how they can reduce the stress caused by firework for their dogs, cats, small furries and horses. Veterinary Surgeon Bruce Waddell from Willows Veterinary Hospital states “We always recommend that owners familiarise themselves with the advice well before bonfire night as it helps to have everything prepared in advance.” The website, www. fireworkadviceforpets. co.uk also contains some examples of dens built by local veterinary practices. Most of the advice given on the website 10 Nine issues in Culcheth Lymm Great Sankey & Penketh Chapelford Stockton Heath & Appleton Thewlwall, Grappenhall & Latchford Birchwood Lowton & Golborne Newton-le-Willows