Delve into our top tips and tricks to keep your pets safe this bonfire night. 

1. Keep your animals safely indoors  

Ensuring that your furry friend is safely indoors during firework displays is essential for their comfort and wellbeing. Keeping pets inside not only prevents them escaping, but also helps to muffle the loud noises created by fireworks.  

Try to create a calm and secure environment where they can feel safe. Consider preparing a cosy area with their favourite blankets and toys. -Let your pet pick the spot –  behind the sofa, under the table, a covered crate or indoor kennel… Playing some calming music can also help to mask the sound of fireworks and create a more relaxed atmosphere.  

For dogs, a long-lasting treat or chew toy can provide a good distraction, and for cats, interactive toys or puzzle feeders may help to keep them occupied. Make sure to stay nearby if you can, as your presence will also offer comfort and reassurance.  

2. Desensitise your dogs and cats  

Desensitising your dog or cat to loud noises is a good idea but this has to be done well in advance of firework season. Pick a calm and quiet place to carry out firework desensitisation. Start to play an audio recording of fireworks at a very low volume and reward your pet for calm behaviour with a treat , their favourite toy, or just some fuss from you . Increase the volume gradually and remember that each individual will respond differently, so take things at your pet’s pace. 

3. Make sure your pet is microchipped  

When pets feel scared and stressed, their natural instinct may be to run. Keeping dogs on leads, securing cat flaps and closing doors and windows will help to keep pets safe, but if the unexpected does happen, having your pet microchipped could make the difference between finding them and not. Microchips are a reliable way for vets and charities to identify lost pets and to contact their owners. However, this relies on the microchip having accurate and up-to-date contact information. So, make it a habit to update your contact details any time there’s a change so that you can be reached quickly once your pet is found. Did you know it is also a legal requirement that all UK dogs and cats are microchipped and the contact details are up to date? 

4. Small pets and fireworks  

Fireworks can be quite frightening for small pets, especially those that are prey animals in the wild, like rabbits and guinea pigs. 

So, if you have pets that usually live outside, consider bringing them indoors while the fireworks are going off. Make sure to choose a cool, quiet room to help reduce any stress that they may feel from the sudden change in environment or temperature.  

To help them feel secure, create several hiding spots using items like cardboard boxes, tubes or small covered enclosures. Filling these hiding places with bedding can help to muffle the noise and create a sense of comfort.  

5. Tips for horse owners  

It’s not just pets at home that can be frightened by fireworks – horses can too. If you are a horse owner, you’ve likely encountered this problem before, but with the right preparation, you can help your horse to feel more secure.  

One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead. Knowing in advance when and where local firework displays will take place allows you to prepare properly. Speak with your neighbours and let them know that you have horses and that you need to prepare for firework displays so that so that they can make sure to let you know in advance if they are planning any private displays. 

If there’s a fireworks event nearby, consider bringing your horse into their stable. However, if they are used to living out, leaving them in their field may be less stressful, as it avoids the added disruption of a change in environment.  

There are also a variety of calming supplements available that may help to ease your horse’s stress. If you know that a display is coming up, you could try giving your horse calming cookies or supplements. Administering these a few hours before and during the fireworks can help to keep your horse relaxed.  

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Endocardiosis alters the physical structures of the heart valves due to an accumulation of fibrous tissue. This condition is inherited and degenerative. Symptoms vary depending on severity of disease. Once started, treatment will be lifelong.

What is endocardiosis?

Endocardiosis is also referred to as valve disease or insufficiency and occurs when abnormal tissue accumulates within the tricuspid or mitral heart valves (these ‘atrioventricular’ valves separate the atrial chambers from the ventricular chambers of the heart). This alters the physical structure of these valves, and makes them leaky, so the heart muscle needs to work harder to ensure adequate blood flow around the body.

What are the causes of endocardiosis in dogs?

The exact cause of endocardiosis is unknown, but it is likely to be a genetic condition as some dog breeds are more likely to develop this type of heart disease. Unfortunately, it is a degenerative condition, worsening over time. Although any dog can be affected, endocardiosis tends to affect dogs over the age of 10, but younger dogs can also be affected. Dog breeds predisposed to endocardiosis include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Dachshunds.

What are the symptoms of endocardiosis in dogs?

Clinical signs will vary depending on the severity of the disease but can include a heart murmur, coughing, less keen to exercise, lethargy, weakness, a distended belly, faster or more laboured breathing, and fainting.

What happens if my dog has endocardiosis?

The vet will perform a clinical examination, and may suggest diagnostic tests such as blood samples, X-rays, and heart scans. While a cure is not possible, there are treatment options to help manage symptoms of the disease and slow progression. The recommended treatment plan will vary depending on severity of the disease, and will be continued through life with regular check-ups to monitor your pet’s health and adjust doses if necessary.

Endocardiosis in DogsDownload

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