PRESS RELEASE.......PRESS RELEASE

BEHAVIOUR TIPS FOR BONFIRE NIGHT 27/09/2005

Bonfire Night can be very distressing for many pets and the following suggestions are being made by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) to help minimise any potential stress.

• Ensure that pets are kept indoors and all windows, doors and cat/dog flaps are shut.

• Play the TV and radio loudly to help muffle the sound of the fireworks.

• When fireworks go off, don’t look worried. If you look cheerful and happy this will help your pet.

• If your dog becomes distressed, do not try to comfort it as this may make the behaviour worse.

• Interact and play with your pet if it is calm while fireworks are going off as this will help it to associate something nice with the sound of fireworks.

• Provide a safe ‘den’ for dogs such as a large ‘igloo’ or dog crate/box which is covered on three sides. Introduce your dog to this a few days before the event. Cats will often hide in a dark cupboard or under the bed, make sure these areas are accessible.

• Be prepared. If your pet has previously been worried by fireworks speak to your vet a few weeks before the fireworks begin. Medication can be useful and D.A.P., a plug in diffuser, can help to calm dogs.

• If your pet has a serious firework or noise phobia, ask your vet for a referral to a behaviour specialist.

For more information visit the APBC website at www.apbc.org.uk.

CONTACT
Inga MacKellar, APBC Press Officer
Tel/Fax: 01323 870558, E-mail: inga@petbehaviour.co.uk
22/09/2005

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