mypetfriends.co.uk

We’re lucky, as we are only virtual pets, we don’t have to worry about the frightening noises that are made by fireworks that are set off to celebrate Diwali or bonfire night, but may of our pet friends are.  So, to help you to cope with your pet friends Paula Knight, a veterinary nurse from York, gave us these handy hints to share with My Pet Friends pet owners:

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• Plan for the fireworks season well in advance.  If your pet is prescribed sedatives from a vet, speak to your vet and get a full health check for your pet to ensure that they are still suitable.
• You can condition your pet to become used to / not so anxious about the noises made by fireworks by using a sound effects CD accompanied with simple behavioural therapy techniques.  You can purchase these and full instructions from a variety of pet shops.
• Ensure outdoor pets are back in their pens, coups and hutches well before the fireworks begin.
• As for cats and dogs – again, ensure that they are fed and walked before settling them in for the night. 
• Prepare a space for your pet to use as a hideaway / snug.  Ideally, this should be within the main structure of the house away from windows so there is less chance of noise and upset caused from flashing lights – under the stairs is a favourite. 
• Keep windows and curtains closed and turn the sound up on the TV, radio or CD player to block out any outside noise.
• If your dog barks, resist the temptation to stroke and cuddle them as this gives them the signal that there must be something wrong.  Conversely, do not shout and berate them – this will again make them anxious.  Just keep relaxed and act as if the noises are nothing to be afraid of – they’ll pick up on this relaxing atmosphere.
• Depending on your budget and circumstances, why not spend the night in a country hotel that accepts cats and dogs as residents – away from the noise and a great break for you and your pet too.
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As the usual debate about who should be allowed to purchase fireworks continues, the list above is just a few things pet owners can do to relieve some of the stress caused by the celebrations.
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Whatever you are doing this bonfire night or Diwali, we hope you and your pets have a safe time.
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Come back and see us again soon,
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Kitty & Teddy
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Pet shops, pet stores, pet directory – the movers and shakers
Dog Drugs is a veterinary drug store.  If your vet has recommended sedatives to help your dog to calm down, you could purchase them from this supplier, often for less http://www.mypetfriends.co.uk/www.dogdrugs.co.uk.html
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Pet product of the month
Desensitisation involves playing noises that your pet dislikes whilst giving them something they enjoy – this could be food, play, or grooming.  By playing these sounds, quietly to begin with and then raising the volume each time you do this, over a period of a few weeks they will begin to associate the noise with good things and become less frightened of it.  Find suitable pet stores and vets that supply these products on the my pet friends pet directory http://www.mypetfriends.co.uk/

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Pet tip of the month
Margaret Beauchamp, Wembley: Ensure you have enough pet food as the winter months approach.  So if bad weather forces you to remain indoors, you have enough food for your pet.