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NEWS
B O N F I R E S EA S O N Bonfire season can be terrifying for animals. Some pets may hide, shake and seem tense. They may be unresponsive to commands, go off their food or even soil in the house. Don’t punish your pet for this as it will convince them there really was something to be afraid of. But don’t make a fuss of them as this effectively rewards the behaviour. Blackening out the room when there are fireworks may help to hide flashing lights, but your dogs may feel abandoned if they are left alone. Make sure they have a few toys as a distraction. Music may also help, especially if it has drumbeats to cover the noise of the fireworks. There are products on the market which can help. A plug-in diffuser known as the Adaptil mimics the pheromones naturally released by lactating bitches to reassure their pups. It continuously releases pheromones into the environment for up to four weeks and helps stop fear and stress related signals, vocalisation, house soiling and excessive licking. With this there is no sedative effect at all. Clinical trials show an 80% improvement in signs observed by owners. It is normally recommended that the diffuser is in the room used most by the dog for a fortnight before and one week after the event.
October 2013
Contact us: PARAGON VETERINARY GROUP Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7JF Tel: 01228 710208 vets@paragonvet.com TOWNHEAD VETERINARY CENTRE Newbiggin, Stainton, Penrith, CA11 0HT Tel: 01768 483789 townhead@paragonvet.com LONDON ROAD SURGERY 87 London Road Carlisle CA1 2LG Tel: 01228 591005
The Feliway diffuser is a similar product for cats. It’s recommended to have this in place one week before the event. Thundershirts can also help reassure anxious or nervous dogs.
Ask us for more details on any of the above.
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