Fireworks!

It is nearly the time of year when animals in the UK are exposed to fireworks. Some cope with them fine but a lot of the animals I have treated are terrified. Here are some simple tips to help them get through the Fireworks season. I have noticed that here in the UK, fireworks are not just confined to November, they seem to have become a weekly occurance.  Flower essences can offer the necessary support to help any animal that is stressed. Your animal is an individual and the way they deal with fear will be unique to them. Chose the essences based on the behaviours they are exhibiting. Think of the reasons why your animal is fearful what was the original trigger or association to their first experience of Fireworks. Loud noises naturally disturb both animals and people. Animals are emotional sponges and will pick up on your own energy and anxiety. If we are worried that they will be worried then so it shall be.

Start giving Rescue Remedy at least 2 weeks before the Fireworks season.

Keep your pets indoors

Turn the TV up or play music. Classical music is by far the most soothing.

Close the curtains

Make sure doors and windows securely shut

Try not to reinforce fearful behavior when they are anxious

Allow them to hide in a bolt hole, if needed. This is a natural response to something that they would be scared of.

Distract them with a game of some kind. So they are not focused on the sound of the fireworks.

If you have drums and practice them often, then play the drums on 'Fire works night' This may sound silly but it will mask out the sound of the 'bangs' 

Signs of stress are:

Shaking

Excessive grooming

Barking

Marking the home

Pet running away

soiling

Over excited

Running in circles

scratching at the furniture excessively

If you really must get fireworks:

Keep fireworks as far away from the home as possible

Buy silent fireworks - yes! they do exist

Buy handheld cascade fireworksGo to a local display

MOST IMPORTANT IS TO CHECK YOUR BONFIRES, SO YOU ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO LITTLE ANIMALS HIDING IN THERE SUCH AS HEDGEHOGS ETC.

Your pet will behave in the way it's species would behave if in the wild... horses will run, cats usually like to climb high, dogs like bark an so on. Respect them for using their coping mechanisms. These behaviours are inate and are survival mechanisms.