VETS WARN FIREWORKS DISTRESS DOGS, CATS AND OTHER PETS

Research by Pets at Home has found that 77% of UK pet owners report their pets showing signs of stress or anxiety during fireworks, with trembling, hiding and clinginess the most common reactions. The research named Birmingham among the worst-affected cities, with 32% of owners there reporting fireworks continuing past midnight and residents hearing fireworks on average 16 nights in November. Vets have warned that firework distress affects more than dogs, with cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and small pets also showing signs of fear. The warning comes as firework season now spans several weeks of autumn.

Lois Wakelin, a vet and practice owner at Bromsgrove Vets for Pets, and Dr Samantha Butler-Davies, veterinary director at Pets at Home, give identical advice to pet owners, saying: "Fireworks can be frightening for pets because the bangs and flashes are sudden and unpredictable. Every pet responds differently, so owners should look for subtle changes as well as obvious distress." Dogs may pace, pant, tremble, bark or hide, while cats, rabbits and guinea pigs show similar signs of fear. Nationally, trembling or shaking ranks as the most common sign at 32%, ahead of hiding at 30% and becoming clingy at 27%.

Vets advise owners to give pets a safe, quiet space before fireworks begin, and to complete walks and feeding before dark. They recommend securing doors, windows and enclosures, and playing familiar sound to soften the bangs. Owners whose pets have previously shown severe noise phobia should speak to a vet in advance so they can discuss an individual plan. Pets at Home said consideration from neighbours letting off fireworks could help protect pet welfare through autumn.