WITH the fireworks season fast approaching, vets are encouraging pet owners to start preparing now to prevent possible injury and distress to their pets and livestock.

At up to 150 decibels, fireworks can be as loud as a jet engine and with many animals particularly sensitive to noise, this can be a traumatic and upsetting time of the year for them.

Around one in 14 vets across the country reported seeing animals with firework-related injuries over 2018, in a survey carried out by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) last December.

Equine vets were significantly more likely to report such cases, with almost one in five seeing firework injuries last year.

Some of the most heartbreaking cases last year included a dog who tried to escape from its kennel and in the process pulled out all of its front teeth and a horse that suffered a fractured splint bone as it bolted from its field.

What should I do before fireworks season starts?

BVA is encouraging pet owners and livestock keepers to consult with their vet as far in advance as possible to discuss management and treatment options if their animals get severely distressed by fireworks or other noises.

A phobia of fireworks can be effectively treated with appropriate behaviour-modification techniques.

BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “Fireworks season can be a fun time for many people, but the loud noises and bright flashes can be extremely traumatic for many animals, who have no way of understanding what is happening.

"Preparing ahead is key to keeping pets and livestock calm and safe, from discussing noise desensitisation techniques with your vet and preparing a ‘safe place’ for pets, to microchipping and investing in pheromone products.

“Even if you don’t expect your pet to be anxious please consider staying close at hand on the noisiest evenings, providing background noise when fireworks are going off and, most importantly, staying calm yourself so your animal is reassured.

“If your pet gets significantly distressed by fireworks, we’d encourage you to speak to your local vet as early as possible to discuss treatment options, which can achieve long-term success with professional input and owner commitment and patience.”

Top tips to keep animals safe ahead of fireworks season:

  • Contact your vet

If your pet gets distressed by fireworks or other noises, contact your local vet to discuss treatment options.

This may include drugs to help dogs with noise phobias or pheromone products to apply next to your pets’ den and around the house to keep them calm.

  • Create a well-padded den

Give them a safe place to access ahead of fireworks season so they have a safe place to hide when fireworks start.

  • Make sure they're microchipped

Ensure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date on the database in case your pet runs away from home.

  • Move pets indoors

Move small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs to a quiet place indoors.

  • Think about background noise

Close windows and curtains and provide background noise to help mask the fireworks.

  • Keep calm

If your pet is distressed, remain calm yourself – trying to reassure your pet can inadvertently reinforce anxious behaviour.

Restlessness or toileting in the house can be signs of stress, so don’t punish them.

  • Think about the times fireworks might go off

Keep livestock housed at times when fireworks are likely to be set off locally and remove any firework debris from grazing pasture before letting them out.

  • Check what's best for your horses

Horses may be better turned out in a field than stabled, as in a stable they may feel enclosed and unable to move. Owners should consult a qualified equine behaviourist if they have significant concerns about their horse’s response to fireworks.

  • Don't set fireworks off near livestock

If you’re hosting a fireworks display, avoid setting them off near horses, livestock or companion animals. Dispose of any debris and remnants of fireworks responsibly.

  • Check your bonfire before you light it

Before lighting a bonfire, remember to check for any wild animals that may be hiding in it.