Pelushka Persians

 

‘Remember, Remember the 5^th of November’

                                                                     

 But please don’t forget your pets   

 

This is the message from the BLUE CROSS, the animal welfare charity which publishes the BLUE CROSS CODE. Every year thousands of animals suffer as a result of the festivities. Blue Cross animal hospitals across the country see a marked rise in pets requiring medication to calm them during this stressful period and many animals are brought into adoption centres having run away from home. Animals have very acute hearing, and loud bangs and whistles cause them actual pain in their ears. But by following some simple guidelines your pet need not suffer.

For your convenience we have included a copy of the 'Firework Code' below relating to both cats and dogs.  it is also available online and in print form and gives specific advice for cats, dogs and horses, as well as general guidance for other animals.

 

The Blue Cross,

Shilton Road,

Burford,

Oxon OX18 4PF

Tel: 01993 822651

Fax: 01993 823083

www.bluecross.org.uk

Registered Charity No: 224392

 

 

Dogs, Cats and Fireworks

ALWAYS keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off.

ALWAYS close all windows and doors, and block off catflaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and put the TV or radio on to block out some of the noise of the fireworks.

NEVER take your dog to a firework display. Even if your dog does not bark or whimper at fireworks it doesn¹t mean he¹s happy. Behaviour such as panting and yawning can indicate that your dog is stressed.

NEVER tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop whilst you pop inside, or leave them in the garden.

ALWAYS make sure your pet is wearing ID ­ even in the house. Ideally they should have a collar and tag and a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being returned to you.

NEVER walk your dog while fireworks are going off. Make sure your dog is walked earlier in the day before the fireworks start. Prepare a Œden¹ for your pet so he can feel comfortable, perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes where he can hide when the fireworks start. If your pet does panic and hide in a corner leave him alone and do not try to coax him out. He is just trying to make himself feel safer and should not be disturbed.

NEVER shout at your pet if he is frightened, as you will only make him more stressed. Ignore your pet if he paces around or whines, and do not reassure him as this will only make him think there is really something to worry about. Stay calm and act normally. Praise your pet when he is calm.

If you leave your pet alone and come back to find that he has been destructive, do not punish him as this shows he must have been terrified. Try not to leave him alone again during this period.