Events No 92 Autumn 2019

Pet advice by Ardmore Veterinary Group
REMEMBER REMEMBER YOUR PETS
THIS NOVEMBER…
Did you know that dogs born in October are much
less likely to develop a fear of Fireworks as they are
around the noises when young and don’t perceive the
noise to be threatening.
50% of the UK`s dogs (that’s 4 million dogs) have
a fear of Fireworks, but what people don’t realise is
that dogs can be trained to accept and some can be
trained to love the stimulus that causes their fear!
When pets are fearful certain stress/anxiety
behaviours occur - some they carry out through
choice such as panting, ears pulled back, tail
tucked down, yawning and blinking. Some of their
behaviours happen instinctively - such as ‘out of
character` behaviour, snarling, trembling, spinning
and pacing.
Ways you can help your pet and that means
starting now:-
1. Chewing relieves stress so chewing should be
encouraged - give plenty of interesting chewing toys.
2. Many animals will not eat when stressed so make
up a very tasty treat or offer luring stuffed chew
toys, it works to relieve tension when they are settle
enough to eat.
3. Manage their environment by making a `black out`
area where curtains are drawn creating a den - You
can use a big cardboard box from supermarkets,
cut a hole in the box and fill it with lots of bedding
so your pet can dig and burrow. Ensure the box is
in the centre of your room away from doors and
windows, you can also put some toys and treats
in their den to make it a safe and positive place to
retreat to.
4. The use of a Thundershirt (Please contact the
surgery for further information, asking for a nurse)
and classical dog CD `Through a dogs ear` have also
proved to be very effective.
5. There is also plenty of anti-anxiety medication
that calms pets. Please contact our pharmacy for
further information.
6. Remain calm yourself! The more fussing you make
of them the more it feeds their anxiety! Remember
`Less is more`.
7. Ensure your pet is safely inside during periods of
fireworks. Provide litter trays for cats when keeping
them inside.
8. Make sure your pet is microchipped, if they do
escape then they can be more easily reunited with
you.
9. DO NOT punish your pet; this will only distress
them more.
If you would like some further information please
contact the surgery on 01787 372588 and speak to a
nurse - we are happy to help.
www.ardmorevets.co.uk
57 Cornard Rd, Sudbury CO10 2XB
01787 372588
Professional & dedicated team caring
for all your pets
Modern well equipped practice
Caring professional staff
Acupuncture & herbal medicine
1 Bridge St, Gt Yeldham CO9 4HU
01787 238255
Local 24 hour emergency service:
07836 723934
OVENS GREEN
www.ovensgreen.co.uk
Kennels and Cattery
Lovingly cared for......
Daily Exercise
Luxury Kennels Vaccinated
Pets Only
Inspections Welcome
Collection & Delivery
Day Care
Tel: 01787 375763
Sudbury Road • Acton • Sudbury
CO10 0BS
www.events-sudbury.co.uk | Autumn 2019 7