Autumn can be a difficult time for dogs - the days get shorter, and in the U.K. we have Fireworks Night with loud noises that many dogs find scary. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home would like your help to supply their dogs with rawhide bones to distract them from the fireworks, and they have advice for you too.
Dig up a bone for a homeless hound this Fireworks’ Night
Animal charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is calling upon the UK’s dog-lovers to help it dig up hundreds of rawhide bones for its homeless hounds this Fireworks’ Night.
The 5th November is a night that most dog owners dread, and for staff at Battersea it is a real challenge. The world famous animal charity can care for over 450 dogs at any one time. These stray and abandoned canines won’t have loving families to help keep them calm through the loud bangs, so Battersea hopes to give each dog a long lasting rawhide bone to help keep it occupied throughout the fireworks season.
Lindsey Quinlan, Operations Manager at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home says: “Most dogs hate fireworks, and here at Battersea our dogs find it even more stressful. We do as much as we can to help keep them calm in their kennels like leaving the lights on to drown out the flashes, and playing music with bass so dogs aren’t as spooked by the loud bangs. We’d like to get enough bones so that every dog at Battersea can have a long lasting rawhide bone on fireworks’ night, and that’s a lot of bones!”
One such dog that would really benefit from a rawhide bone is shy Staffie cross Sky who arrived at the Home after her owners could no longer care for her. One year old Sky is a timid girl who will appreciate some tasty distractions in her kennel this Bonfire Night.
Battersea offers the following fireworks advice to pet owners who are worried about their dog:
· Make sure you pet is microchipped and wearing a collar and tag so should it go missing you can be reunited.
· If your pet is microchipped make sure your contact details are correct and up to date.
· Make sure your pet has a safe hiding place in the house where if feels secure.
· Bright flashes can worry pets so block out windows if you can.
· Drown out the sounds of fireworks by leaving the TV or radio on.
· Avoid taking/letting your pet out when fireworks are likely to go off.
· Pets can sense how we feel, so remaining calm will help your companion feel less stressed.
· Treat your pet to a long lasting chew or toy to help keep its mind off the fireworks.
As well as long-lasting chews, Battersea is also hoping for donations of Thundershirts, a snug fitting coat that helps to calm stressed dogs, and Kongs, a rubber toy which can be stuffed with food and treats and helps to keep dogs occupied. Over in Battersea’s cattery staff and volunteers will be dishing out tasty treats to its feline residents to enjoy throughout the loud bangs and bright flashes.
If you would like to buy a Battersea dog or cat a gift to keep them calm this fireworks please visit www.battersea.org.uk/shop or call 0800 001 4444.