As we head towards the time of year most stressful for our pets, horses, and small animals; Guy Fawkes or Bonfire night. Here at Hyperdrug we are often asked how to deal with nervous and anxious pets. As a result we have decided to provide a guide to our customers offering some practical information and advice on how to deal with this time of year and featuring some products from the fireworks and animals section of our website.

Dog/Cat Owners

• Animals will naturally hide when scared and it is important that the animal has a comfortable place to seek refuge. We therefore advise that a safe place be created indoors; an under stairs cupboard or indoor kennel covered in blankets would be ideal, preferably with a Dog Appeasing Pheromones being used in conjunction. DAP comes in a number of forms: DAP Spray, ideal for use on the go, DAP Diffuser which will treat a room size of 70sq meters. Or a DAP Collar which will last for four weeks after it is first opened. Feliway offers the same effects for your Cat.  
• We also have a range of dog beds and mattresses, which would be perfect for creating a safe haven; our Zacht Oval Beds are particularly comfortable and currently on special offer! Zylkene is particularly useful and is an all natural product which contains a Peptide which binds temporarily with receptors in the brain to create a calming influence. Zylkene comes in handy capsule form that are opened and sprinkled onto the food. Tranquil X capsules are a Hyperdrug brand that contains the traditional extract of Valerian Officinalis. 
• The centre of the house is the most effective place for a den, as the sounds from outside will be more muffled. Curtains and doors should be kept closed to further muffle the sound. A Clix Noises and Sounds Audio CD, if used in advance of fireworks night can be used to desensitise your dog. Cat flaps and dog doors should be locked to prevent escape.
• All pets should be able to be easily identified in the event that they run away. We stock a range of attractive ID Tags for your pet; however, it may also be worthwhile considering having the animal micro-chipped to ensure owner and pet are reunited as soon as possible.
• It is also vital that the dog be kept indoors whilst the fireworks are going off, therefore it is advisable that any toilet needs are addressed before dark. Never leave pets home alone on bonfire night.

Small Animals

• Hutches/cages or enclosures should be brought inside wherever possible, a garage or shed would be perfect if it is not practical to bring them into the house.
• If there is no indoor space then hutches/cages should be turned to face a wall or fence instead of an open garden. Pets should be given extra bedding in order to be able to burrow and seek refuge.
• Any hutches or aviaries should be covered with thick blankets or duvets to muffle the sounds, though care should be taken to ensure adequate ventilation.

Horses and Ponies

• Ensure that neighbouring farms know that there are horses around and ask them to set off any fireworks as far from your horse as possible and in the opposite direction.
• You may also find that using a calming supplement is beneficial, a particularly useful one being NAF Instant Magic Calmer as this is a fast acting calmer which can be administered when the animal shows signs of distress. If you know your horse to react badly to noise then consult your veterinary surgeon in advance. 
• Ensure your horse is kept to its familiar routine and environment and that any familiar companion animals remain with the horse. If your horse is normally stabled then keep it stabled, if it is normally in a paddock then leave it there as long as it is safe to do so.

We hope this has been informative and that your pet is able to enjoy bonfire night as much as we humans do!

If you have any further questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team on 0844 7000 800 or e-mail via sales@hyperdrug.co.uk