Noise fears are common in cats and dogs with fireworks being one of the most common triggers, especially around this time of year. Managing these fears is important to prevent an increased fear response year after year which often involves short and long term steps.

What can you do this weekend?

Provide a suitable space for your pets to hide where they will not be exposed to as much audible and visual stimulation. Ideally this would be somewhere your pet is familiar with to help them feel safer. The use of canine and feline pheromone diffusers or nutraceuticals can also help to ease anxiety. Some radio stations will play relaxing music to help during firework time too.

Avoid excessive reassurance as this can trigger further concern, but some dogs will seek reassurance from their owner and it is important not to ignore them if this is the case. Some dogs may be able to be distracted from the noises by games and enrichment activities. Make sure the house is secure so no escapes can be made and its also helpful to ensure your microchip details are up to date.

Cats will likely find a place to hide and it is best if you do not encourage them out of their hiding spots as this will cause further stress. Make sure your cat is indoors in advance of fireworks starting and secure all exits and cat flaps.

Desensitisation is also an important long term step to tackling noise and firework phobias but this is something that needs to be done over the year. Calling and speaking to a nurse for more information on desensitisation can help you prepare better for next year.

Don’t forget about rabbits and smaller pets too, especially if they are housed outside. Covering their hutch, providing extra bedding and hiding spaces for them, or bringing them indoors is a good idea.

Call and speak to us if you are worried about noise phobias or firework fears, we are open over the weekend to help and we can provide nutraceuticals to ease stress in your pets. Call 01606 880890

As Autumn gets closer, it is important to be aware of the seasonal risks to our pets. Below are some common items to familiarise yourselves with at this time of year.

Environmental

Mushrooms and Toadstools. Fungi produce fruit bodies (mushrooms and toadstools) when the weather is wet and mild so Autumn is the perfect time. There are thousands of mushroom species and the signs they cause can vary hugely dependent on which species is ingested. These can range from gastrointestinal signs to hallucinations, behaviour changes and in severe cases, kidney and liver failure. Expert knowledge is needed to help identify the mushroom therefore how at risk your pet is. If a sample of the mushroom can be safely collected at the time and/or photos taken of the location it was growing including the top and underneath of the mushroom this will allow the most information to be provided. Please remember to wash hands after any handling of the mushroom yourself.

Acorns, conkers and berries can cause gastrointestinal upset if scavenged by our pets. Signs can include vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and abdominal pain. Acorns may also cause an itchy rash and swelling of the lips or around the eyes. An additional risk to their ingestion is that their shape and size (particularly conkers) may cause an intestinal blockage.

Spring Bulbs. It is the time of year where daffodils, tulips and snowdrops are planted. To avoid ingestion and possible gastrointestinal upset ensure they are stored safely and your pets are kept away during planting.

Halloween and Bonfire Night

Mild and dark chocolate is toxic to pets as it contains Theobromine. The higher the cocoa content in chocolate, the more theobromine it contains and the more toxic it is. Signs include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain , but with high doses can progress to neurological signs, such as seizures. Xylitol is a sweetener found in many sweets including marshmallows. Xylitol can cause a blood sugar levels to drop to dangerous levels and in some patients cause liver failure.

Fireworks, sparklers and glow sticks. Unused fireworks contain several components including fuel and colouring agents, if chewed they may cause gastrointestinal toxicity. Used fireworks however are unlikely to be an issue as the chemical components have been used up during the display. Sparklers can also cause gastrointestinal upset but of course also be cautious when using around pets due to their burn and fire risk! Glow sticks and other glow-in-the-dark toys are more available around this time of year, the fluid inside is bitter and if chewed may cause distress, hypersalivation and vomiting in our pets. The signs are usually very transient and if safe to do so, washing the mouth out can help.

If you are worried that your pet has eaten something dangerous please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can assess the risk and make the best plan for you and your pet. Contact us on 01606 880890 or 01606 717969