As a pet owner you may already be aware of the risk involving your pets around this time of year with bonfire night and firework displays fast approaching.

Please see below some advice on keeping your pets safe this November.

Whether you have guinea pigs or horses… there is something for everyone.

Cats

• Keep your cat indoors.
• Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise.
• Leave your cat to take refuge in a corner if it wishes. Do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress.
• Make sure your cat is microchipped to ensure it can be returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost.

Dogs

• Exercise your dog during the day.
• Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.
• As with cats, keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.
• Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.
• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

Small animals
Small animals – such as rabbits and guinea pigs – living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noise. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection.

Horses
Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured. Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled while fireworks are being let off. Make sure fireworks are not in view by closing the stable door.

REMEMBER – never let off fireworks near animals and always clear up after a fireworks party – litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl in to them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.