Fireworks Season:

Now that the new legislation is in force, whether it will make much of a difference to your area remains to be seen.

The Fireworks mayhem seems to start earlier and earlier each year, depending on where you live, with Nov. 5th not far away there are also other celebrations involving Fireworks such as Diwali. For many of us, there isn’t just one one evening of Fireworks, sounding like World War III, to cope with, but a whole run up weeks ahead which doesn’t end with the loudest blitz on Bonfire Night.

Around this time there will be a steep increase in the number of stray dogs picked up and handed in, dogs which have become scared and bolted when out and off leash or having escaped from the home, here follows a few tips to help you and your dog: Please make sure your dog is wearing a secure collar with an ID disc firmly attached, a disc which has your current details on it, look at the tag now – can you actually read what it says?

If your dog is ID Chipped – are your contact recorded details up to date?

If your dog isn’t ID chipped – please just get it done, it doesn’t take 5 minutes and is relatively cheap-it will make all the difference should the worst happen and you lose your dog.

Keep your dog inside the house with you during the worst times, check your garden fencing – is it secure? Does the gate(s) lock?

Don’t leave your dog out in the garden unattended.

Don’t leave your dog tied up outside the shop or alone anywhere, e.g., in a vehicle, yobs throw fireworks at animals and find it amusing to wind them up, keep your dog safe.

Never take your dog or any animal to a Firework display, it may be fun for you to watch but keep your dog away and safe.

Keep your dog leashed when out. If you use a flexi leash be extra careful, as your dog suddenly running full throttle to the end of it will cause a jolt which can pull the lead right out of your grasp-you end up with a dog running in a panic with the equipment bouncing along behind, the sudden bang of a rocket etc can cause the most laid back of dogs to bolt; before they know it they are lost.

Getting through it – some survival tips:

• Exercise your dog earlier; try to have him tired out ready for the evenings.

• Is the house secure-windows closed, cat flap locked (keep the cat safely inside as well), doors secured etc?

• Draw the curtains/blinds to keep out visual reminders-flashing lights etc.

• Have some familiar calming music on or turn up the TV (not too loud) to help block out some of the noise.

• Make sure your dog has access to an area where he feels safe, with his bedding and toys, put some of your clothing in here so there is a familiar comforting scent, don’t move his bed suddenly, if you are going to set up a safe area in a specific part of the house, do it a few weeks in advance to give him time to adjust and familiarise himself.

• Let your dog out to relieve himself in the garden, under your supervision, so that he will be more comfortable and not desperate for a pee when the noise intensifies during the evenings.

• Offer a stuffed Kong, toys and/or favourite chew toy to distract; giving him something to do can help relive stress.

• Make sure there is plenty of fresh drinking water available and feed your pet beforehand to help relax him.

• You could also try using a DAP diffuser-leave it plugged in all day a couple of weeks in advance.

• Bach Flower Remedies can also be useful for behavioural problems in dogs, try Dr Bach Rescue Remedy, for more info go to www.bachcentre.com/centre/remedies.htm. Another homeopathic remedy which can also help is called 'Anxiety' it is designed to promote a sense of calm.

• Scullcap and Valerian tablets are a herbal combination which some dog owners use to bring relief to their dogs when anxious and nervous. Further details at www.healthypetsupplies.co.uk

• If your dog is affected by the noise – do NOT ever punish him. If you go out and find your dog has been destructive whilst you were gone – don’t punish him, stay calm, tidy up any mess and have a cup of tea! It is a completely pointless to punish him, damaging & extremely unkind to your dog, the bond between you both is affected and likely to make him even more stressed out.

• Our first reaction to a nervous anxious dog is often to stoke, cuddle and reassure, but hold back as your dog will interpret this as praise – a reward, remain confident and cheery, try distracting him and when calmed give a cuddle then so you are not reinforcing any unwanted behaviour.

• Try to yourself remain relaxed and upbeat – conveying the message that there is nothing to worry about.

• If you are worried at all – get help and further advice now. Visit your veterinary clinic for advice and seek out the assistance of a behavioural councillor who will be able to help your dog and you survive the season, we can put you in touch with someone to help.

Please check the following today:

• Your dog needs to be wearing an ID tag-check it can be read and is securely attached to your dogs collar.
  
  •Make sure your dogs collar is in good condition and fits properly.
  
  • Is you dog microchipped?
  
  If not now would be a good time to get that done. It’s a simple painless procedure that your vet can do.

If your dog is already chipped make sure you have the number to call should the worst happen

Also make sure your contact details are up to date.

Bonfire night is coming and for many dogs it’s terrifying. You may think your dog is bombproof but maybe, this time something will surprise him and he may bolt. If the details on his tag are wrong, or if in the panic he loses his collar, your chances of being reunited with your pet are greatly reduced.

The Fireworks Act:

The Fireworks Act was introduced in August 2004, it makes it an offence to: • To be under the age of 18 and in possession of Fireworks in a public place. • To let off Fireworks louder than 120 decibels. • To let off Fireworks between 11pm and 7am.

The 11pm to 7am curfew is extended on the 5th of November, New year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

For a full copy of the legislation (The Fireworks Act 2003) visit - http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030022.htm