The firework season can be an anxious time for the nation’s pets with recent research by Ceva Animal Health revealing that 57% of dog and cat owners believe that the festivities are stressful for their animals.
Indeed, owners are so concerned about their pet’s firework fears that over 75% of those questioned would avoid going out while fireworks are going off and over 80% do not let their pet outside if fireworks are nearby.
However, while worried about the anxiety caused by the loud noises and flashes of fireworks, pet owners could do more to prepare their pet for the festivities with over 40% of owners saying they did nothing.
This is a scary statistic. It is essential to help support pets during the firework period. That is why, Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of the leading veterinary behaviour products Adaptil and Feliway, has produced an informative customer leaflet on how to care for your pet during the firework season, together with posters and wobblers.
A useful video will be available on the Adaptil website – www.adaptil.co.uk - to demonstrate how to build a den for dogs to retreat to while the fireworks are going off and the company also offers training for retailers who require a refresher on pheromones.
Ceva will be asking dog owners to post pictures of their dog’s den on the Adaptil Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adaptil/109397602429388?fref=ts - with the top five dens posted winning an ‘Adaptil goodie bag’. This will be backed by a digital media campaign consisting of YouTube, banner advertising, enhanced Adaptil and Feliway websites – www.adaptil.co.uk and www.feliway.co.uk - and social media activity.
“The firework season can be an upsetting time for the nation’s pets. However, there is plenty that can be done to help prepare cats and dogs for the noises and flashes from fireworks,” comments Adaptil and Feliway product manager, Emma Jackson.
“It is therefore advisable to plan well in advance and encourage customers to ensure appropriate preparations are in place to make the festivities as stress-free as possible.”
Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats are scientifically proven to help comfort and reassure pets at times of stress.
An Adaptil Diffuser should be plugged in the room where a dog spends the majority of its time, or where it sleeps, ideally a couple of weeks before Bonfire Night. This will allow the comforting pheromone to build up to significant levels and ensures the pet is as relaxed as possible before, during and after the firework period. Adaptil Spray can be applied to a dog’s bedding on the night of the event to give additional support.
Adaptil Stress Relief Now tablets can also be used to support dogs during stressful events; the tablets provide fast and temporary relief by being administered as little as two hours before the event.
Plugging a Feliway Diffuser in the room where a cat spends most of its time 48 hours before firework festivities will help ensure it is as relaxed as possible. FeliwaySpray can also be used on the cat’s bedding for extra security. In multi-cat households, shutting cats in overnight may cause disharmony. A Feliway Diffuser should help to prevent inter-cat tension.
For further information, including requests for marketing material and training on pheromones, contact Ceva Animal Health on 01494 781510.
