cheltonian pets
ShelterLife PROTECTING PETS...
JamesClayofCheltenhamAnimal Shelter offers advice to help protect your pets fromstress during firework season
With firework season upon us, here are some top tips for keeping your dog calmand relaxed during the loud noises.
PREPARATION • You can purchase noiseCD’s that help your dog become use to the sounds theymay experience. Introduce this to your pet over a number of evenings increasing the volume each time. • Practice distraction games and try to associate loud noiseswith a game or a tasty reward. Thiswill help on the nightwith diverting your pet’s attention away fromany bangs or flashes. •Considerwalking your dog during daylight or dusk as therewill be less chance of bangs going off nearer to bonfire night. •Make sure they alwayswear a collar with a tag or a reflective collar/ coat if you are taking themout in case they become loose and run off. • Think about your normal routine, it may beworth starting to feed your dog slightly earlier than usual sowhen you take your dog for awalk they have the option of going to the loo and reduce the risk of accidents in the house. • Speak to your vet about holistic remedies or naturalmethods to help relax your pet.
ONTHENIGHT… • Try not to leave your pet alone, if they become stressed they could panic and injure themselves. If you think the noisemay be very loud consider visiting friends in a quieter location. • Feed thema high carbohydrate meal, pasta or rice alongwith some meat. Tryptophan is found in turkey and fish andwill helpmake your pet feel
sleepy.Asimilar feeling to us having a large roast. • Take themfor awalk and toilet break before dark. •Close all curtains in the house, any roomyour petmay be not just the ones you are using. • Ensure all escape routes are secure. If you are expecting visitors ensure your petwill notmake a bolt for the open door. • Perhaps put the TVon slightly
46 SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2018 THECHELTONIAN
louder than normal but not too uncomfortable for your dog (or the neighbours!) •Create a safe place or den for them to retreat to if they are feelingworried or anxious.
WAYSTORELAXYOURDOG… • If your pet enjoys relaxing in a crate, cover the top and 3 sideswith blankets to create a dark area. •Chewing releases endorphins, so prepare some stuffedmarrowbones or fill a KONGwith a tasty snack. •Use distraction games and praise, reward your pet if they become engagedwith you and are not fussed with the noises.
CheltenhamAnimal Shelter, Gardner’s Lane, Cheltenham Tel:01242 523521
www.gawa.org.uk
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