Guy fawkes nz

Fireworks & Fur Babies: How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Guy Fawkes!

Dr. Alison Vaughan shares crucial tips to ensure your furry friends feel safe and loved during Guy Fawkes night. Don't let fireworks ruin their good time!

As Guy Fawkes night approaches, excitement fills the air, but for our beloved pets, it can often be a different story. Scientist Dr. Alison Vaughan has dedicated her expertise to ensuring our fur babies remain safe and calm amidst the chaos of fireworks. Understanding the potential impact of loud noises on their sensitive hearing, she offers valuable tips that every pet owner should know to keep their cherished companions feeling secure.

To begin with, Dr. Vaughan emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space at home for pets on Guy Fawkes night. Consider designating a cozy corner filled with their favorite blankets, toys, and perhaps their plush bed. This sanctuary allows pets to retreat and find solace when the sound of fireworks erupts outside. To further mitigate stress, soothing music or white noise can help mask the booms and crackles, creating a more relaxed environment that makes it easier for them to handle the unexpected loud noises.

Additionally, Dr. Vaughan recommends getting pets accustomed to these loud sounds well before the actual night of festivities. Playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume gradually can desensitize them to the noise. Gradually increasing the volume over time, while rewarding them with treats, can help build a positive association with the sound. Remember, patience is key! Not every pet will react the same way, and some may require more love and encouragement throughout the process.

In case of pets already prone to anxiety, Dr. Vaughan suggests consulting a veterinarian about potential calming products or medications that may be helpful during fireworks displays. From anxiety wraps to natural supplements, there are various options that can assist in ensuring our furry friends are safe and comfortable during what can otherwise be a distressing experience. If there’s ever a night to shower our pets with extra love, it’s certainly Guy Fawkes night!

Did you know that dogs can hear sounds at frequencies as high as 65,000 Hz? This is drastically higher than the human hearing range, which tops out around 20,000 Hz. Such sensitivity means that loud fireworks can be excruciatingly upsetting for our canine companions. Likewise, cats possess an impressive ability to hear even fainter sounds, sometimes up to 60,000 Hz, making them equally susceptible to fireworks-related anxiety.

To help support your pets this Guy Fawkes, consider local community fireworks displays that prioritize noise-conscious options, often offering quieter shows or designated pet-friendly times. It's crucial for all of us to play a part in protecting our very best friends during this vibrant but often hectic time of year!