Keep Pets Safe on Bonfire Night

Dog owners are being warned to make sure their pets are wearing a tag ahead of Bonfire Night.

The loud bangs, whistles and flashing lights can be very frightening for animals and often result in an increase in stray dogs at this time of year.

Alison Waine, Swindon Borough Council’s Environmental Protection Officer – Animals, said: “It is a legal requirement for your dog to wear a tag with your name and address and contact numbers.

“Owners should check that the tag is safely on their dog’s collar and the details are up to date.

“If dogs are microchipped they will still need to wear a tag but we recommend microchips as well in case they lose their collar. Check the details on your chip to make sure they are up to date.”

The Dogs Trust and Swindon’s Needy Dogs have teamed up to offer free dog microchipping to all owners.

Pet owners are advised to follow some handy dos and don’ts on Bonfire Night:

DO

• DO: Create a safe environment for your dog. Dogs feel secure in “dens” which you can make yourself or use a suitably sized dog crate. Cover with blankets so it’s nice and dark and put their favourite toys/treats in there to encourage them to use it. Don’t shut them in their dens, let them choose whether they wants to use it.
• DO: Take dogs out before dark to encourage them to go to the toilet before the fireworks start.
• DO: Put some music on or the television. This can help to mask the bangs but make sure they are happy beforehand - turn it off if they seem more stressed.
• DO: Spend time with your dog but try to keep relaxed and act as normal as possible.
• DO: Look at using desensitising CDs before the event and things such as Dog Appeasing Pheromone diffusers (DAP) to help relax them.

DON’T

• DON’T: Take dogs for a walk when fireworks are sounding, even if they show no signs of stress. If they really need the toilet then take them on a lead into the garden.
• DON’T: Leave dogs alone on and around fireworks night.
• DON’T: Fuss or try and reassure dogs when they are frightened, as this simply rewards how they are behaving and teaches them that they are right to be scared. Act causal and try to encourage them to play or do some training but do NOT force them to do either.
• DON’T: Take dogs to a firework display, even if they are normally unconcerned about fireworks.

REMEMBER: Animals can act unpredictably when frightened. If the dog is hiding or seems stressed do NOT let children approach them - your normal happy family pet may react differently from normal due to fear.