Tag: animal welfare

PDSA’s advice to keep your pet safe through the winter season

As the temperature drops through the winter months, the UK’s largest vet charity PDSA is warning owners to take extra care of their four-legged friends.

Despite their fur coats, pets need a little extra TLC when it’s cold to ensure they’re safe and warm as the winter frost begins to bite.

As the evenings are darker and the weather gets colder, it can be difficult to adapt for both us and our pets, whether you have a dog, cat or a smaller pet.

Here are PDSA’s top tips for taking care of furry family members this winter, so owners are prepared whatever the weather.

Keeping safe outside

The winter season isn’t always the most pleasant for our pets – take extra care when outdoors and watch out for these common winter hazards:

  • Salt and grit – used on roads in winter can irritate pet’s paws. If you end up walking on salt and grit, be sure to wash your pet’s paws upon returning home. For an added layer of protection, you could apply a thin layer of paw butter or other pet-safe skin cream to your dog’s pads to help protect them from cracking.
  • Snowy paws – if it’s a white Christmas, the snow can build up on dogs’ paws and cause them discomfort, so prepare paws by keeping hair between pads trimmed, so there’s less hair for snow to gather on. When you get home from your snowy walk, check your dog’s paws and soak off any snow in warm water.
  • Antifreeze and de-icer – used to stop cars icing up in winter but it’s incredibly toxic for animals and can be fatal if ingested. If you suspect your pet may have licked some antifreeze, contact your vet and get them to your vet for treatment straight away, so they can start treatment immediately. Never wait for symptoms to appear. Keep antifreeze out of the reach of pets and clean up any spills really thoroughly – so no one is put at risk.
  • Provide shelter – ideally on very wintry nights we’d advise that you keep your dogs and cats indoors, but if your cat is determined to explore the great outdoors no matter the weather, ensure they can get back inside your home or have a warm shelter they can go to at any time. This is especially important if you don’t have a cat flap or if your cat flap has frozen up or if it has become blocked by snow.
  • Check your cars – cats often shelter under cars in cold and wet weather, or can climb inside the bonnet to take advantage of a warm engine. Always check under the bonnet for visitors who may have climbed up inside and a good knock on the bonnet before you start the car as an additional safety check.
  • Storms and floods – can cause havoc, so it’s best to be prepared for bad weather over winter. Take a look at our stormy weather advice.
  • Poisonous plants – festive favourites like holly, ivy and poinsettia are all toxic to pets if they eat them. For peace of mind, keep them out of your pet’s reach. See our full list of poisonous plants for more information.

Winter Walkies

Many dogs still love the chance to go out on adventures during the colder months, here are a couple of tips when exploring the great outdoors in winter:

  • Take extra precautions during walks when the sun goes down – LED collars, hi-vis leads and coats, as well as a torch are great for lighting the way and being visible.
  • Some dogs grow thick furry coats all year round, so aren’t as bothered by the chilly weather, but some shorter-haired breeds, puppies and older dogs may need extra help staying warm and would benefit from wearing a coat in colder weather.
  • Staying active is really important, so you don’t let your pet become a winter couch potato!
  • If winter weather prevents you providing your pet with vital exercise, remember that if your pet’s activity level has dropped, so should how much you feed!
  • Always be extra careful and watch your step on walks, as icy surfaces can be just as slippery for our pets.
  • Frozen ponds may be enticing for curious canines, but are as dangerous to our pets as they are us. To keep your dog safe around bodies of water, keep them on a lead.

Keep them warm, cosy and active indoors

Pets often enjoy the chance to snuggle down indoors when the temperature drops. There are a few things you can do to make staying inside more pleasant all round:

  • Your cat or dog may really appreciate a few extra comfy spaces to curl up in around the house, or a few extra blankets for their bed to help them stay cosy and warm. Raise beds off the floor, so they’re not sitting in a cold draught.
  • It’s a good idea to provide your cat with a couple of litter trays inside, even if they always like to toilet outside. This gives them the option of keeping warm indoors whilst the weather is really bad.
  • It’s extremely important to keep your pets active whatever the weather. If your pet is likely to miss out on vital exercise due to poor weather, ensure they have some toys to keep them entertained. Make sure you also engage in some enrichment activities with your pet, to keep their mind active too!

Caring for smaller pets

Our small pets (such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets) can really feel the cold and changes in weather, and are very susceptible to temperature changes.

A sudden drop in temperatures can be a real shock to the system, but there are a number of things you can do to help them:

  • If your pets normally live outdoors, bring them into a sheltered area, that is out of draughts, such as a shed or car-free garage protected from rain and snow. Pets that are used to living outside may find a centrally heated home quite a stark contrast, so a half-way house like suggested is ideal, but if you haven’t got that option, control the temperature, so it’s not too warm for them. Make sure they have access to natural light and an exercise run.
  • Keep them cosy. All small pets should have extra bedding over winter so make sure there’s plenty, that it’s dry and very deep so they can snuggle right down.
  • If there is no option but to keep hutches and runs outside, then drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the open mesh door of their living quarters to keep out strong winds and driving rain or snow. You will need to make sure that there’s plenty of fresh air for your pets though. You can also insulate outside walls with newspapers covered with plastic sheeting but make sure this doesn’t obstruct the ventilation. You can also get pet-safe microwavable heat pads to help keep hutches warm,
  • Don’t forget to check water bottles and their nozzles every day, multiple times a day in very cold weather to make sure they aren’t frozen. Provide other sources of water too, such as a water bowl.

In the cold temperatures it’s important to be aware of hypothermia.If our pets get too cold, they can be at risk of developing hypothermia. Find out what signs to look out for and how to prevent it happening.

For more information about having a fun and safe winter season with your pets, please visit the PDSA website.

I’m a pet expert – here are five things to avoid this Christmas

The party season is nearly upon us, but before you dust off your decorations and defrost the turkey, it’s important to be aware of potential dangers that could be putting your pet at risk this Christmas.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, shares the toxic treats and decorative dangers to watch out for this festive season:

“Every Christmas we treat poorly pets at our PDSA Pet Hospitals who are suffering from illness and injuries that their owners just didn’t know could be caused by some of their yuletide traditions. I’d urge owners to be aware of the potential dangers that some of our festive favourites present to our furry family members.” 

Here are Nina’s top tips for making sure your pet stays safe this Christmas:

  1. Deck the halls

Twinkly lights, glittery baubles, and tinsel are what give our homes a touch of festive magic, but they’re also tantalisingly tempting to curious paws. Should your furry family member get hold of a shiny adornment, they may smash it and cut themselves, or even mistake it for a tasty treat – potentially causing life-threatening blockages which require emergency treatment.

Keep fairy lights well away from small furry friends’ enclosures too, to avoid them nibbling through the wires and giving themselves a shock. Many festive plants are also toxic to pets, so make sure they’re well out of paws’ reach.

  1. A tree-mendous occasion

Whether real or artificial, your cat may see your Christmas tree as the purr-fect climbing challenge. This could result in broken baubles and lots of mess at best, or an injured puss at worst, so always supervise them to avoid any mishaps.

Chocolate baubles are also a festive favourite but, if you own a pet, this is one tradition to leave out of your celebrations. Chocolate is toxic to our furry friends and hanging it on the tree makes it all too easy for them to have a little snack.

  1. Santa Paws is coming to town

The thrill of opening presents may distract you from keeping a close eye on your furry friends, but there are several things to watch out for among the mountains of wrapping paper. Sticky tape, bows, ribbons, and string can be a choking hazard and cause internal blockages if swallowed by our precious pets. Take care to pick up any leftover wrapping or toy batteries and watch out for the beady eyes of soft toys, as these can cause serious problems for our pets if chewed up and swallowed.

  1. Festive food

Christmas dinner may be a highlight of the day for us but no matter how tempting, don’t give in to any purr-suasion. Not only can a sudden change in diet cause an upset stomach, some parts of our festive feast can also be highly toxic to pets, including onions, garlic, and mince pies.

It’s also important to bear in mind potion sizes – a small dog breed, such as a Border Terrier, eating 4 pigs in blankets is the equivalent of a human eating an entire Christmas dinner with all the trimmings! So, sticking to healthy treats will prevent our pets from piling on the pounds.

  1. A jolly Christmas

The hustle and bustle of Christmas can become particularly overwhelming for furry family members, so it’s important to offer a safe space for them to escape the festivities. This could be a den you have built or even their regular bed in a quieter room. For smaller pets, moving their enclosure to a quiet space will give them some peace during busier periods.

It’s also easy to forget what day it is over the festive period, but remember that four-legged family members benefit from the consistency of a routine – whether that’s sticking to the usual time they go for a walk, or when you feed them.

For more information on how to safely enjoy the festive season with pets, you can visit: www.pdsa.org.uk/xmas-guide

Savvy shoppers urged to bag festive bargains at PDSA charity shops

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is urging savvy shoppers to combat the cost of living crisis this Christmas by picking up pre-loved presents and brand new gifts from its charity shops across the UK.

With inflation at a 40-year high, families who are feeling the squeeze can make vital savings this season by popping into one of PDSA’s 105 shops and choosing from a treasure trove of bargains.

By shopping in the stores, kind-hearted customers will not only be reducing their own costs, they will also be helping to fund the vital work of the charity’s 48 Pet Hospitals.

PDSA is the UK’s largest veterinary charity. It receives no government funding to provide its vital veterinary services, which are a lifeline to owners who would otherwise struggle to afford treatment if their pet unexpectedly becomes ill or gets injured.

In 2021, PDSA treated more than 370,000 pets and saved the lives of 134,000 animals – ultimately keeping furry family members united with their owners. As day-to-day prices continue to soar and households are hit by increased financial pressures, the charity expects demand for its services to grow.

Its 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, conducted in March, found that nearly a third of pet owners surveyed are worried about affording veterinary costs – leaving them facing potentially heart-breaking decisions should their pet require treatment.

The results follow shocking statistics from the 2021 PAW Report which revealed a staggering 930,000 pets were at risk of being put to sleep if their owners were hit with unexpected vet bills.

PDSA Head of Retail and Buying, Lloyd Hughes, said: “Our charity shops play a crucial role in funding the work of our Pet Hospitals which, in turn, provide a lifeline to people and their beloved pets when they are most in need.

“The help we offer to owners who would otherwise struggle to afford the cost of veterinary treatment has never been more vital as the cost of living continues to rise and day-to-day expenses soar.

“All of the items we sell, whether they are pre-loved or brand-new, are high-quality and available at bargain prices so shoppers supporting us can be sure they will find an array of Christmas gifts for friends and family, even if they are on a tight budget.

“From books to clothes, household items to toys, we have a great selection which won’t break the bank. By shopping at PDSA, customers will also be making a positive difference to the lives of pet owners who are facing unprecedented financial challenges so it really is a win, win situation.”

Those who do not have a charity shop locally can still bag a bargain and support PDSA by visiting the ebay store.

PDSA believes no one should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK tax payer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.

To find out more visit PDSA’s charity shops page.

Paws for thought: Give a gift with meaning this Christmas

Charity launches cards that will help pets in need

Christmas is just around the corner and as living costs soar, a 24% increase in searches for ‘thoughtful Christmas gifts’ suggests that people are moving away from expensive material presents this festive season.

PDSA, the UK’s largest veterinary charity, has revealed its customisable charity donation Christmas cards, providing the perfect choice for those looking to give a present with meaning this year. By gifting a card from the adorable animal-themed range, you’ll be helping PDSA to deliver treatments to hundreds of thousands of poorly pets nationwide, keeping families together this winter.

Not only are there several card designs to choose from, you can also decide how much you wish to donate, with gifts starting from £10.

‘It’s Christmas’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

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‘Fleas Navidad’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

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‘Happy Christmas Dawg’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

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‘Happy X-Mouse’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

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‘Merry Christmas’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

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‘Not a creature was stirring’, available from pdsapetstore.org.uk

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PDSA relies on donations to deliver life-saving treatment to tens of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.

To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support to prevent vulnerable people having to make truly heart-breaking decisions.

To find out more about PDSA’s vital work during the cost of living crisis, or to donate, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/costoflovingcrisis

PDSA: Road Safety 101

Keeping dogs safe while out and about

Heading out for a walk is great, not only for our own mental and physical health, but for our dogs’ wellbeing, too.

But with the dark evenings drawing in, walking along roads can become increasingly unsafe for us and our furry family members – each year, vet charity PDSA treats thousands of pets who have been involved in road traffic accidents.

As we mark Road Safety Week (14 – 20 November), PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, has shared some top tips for keeping furry friends safe while out and about:

Keep them on the lead

“The easiest way to keep your pooch safe while out walking, especially near roads, is to use a lead. A short lead, attached to a well-fitted collar or harness, will give you more control and keep your pup close by – this is particularly important as the nights grow darker.

“If you let your pooch off the lead to run around, only do so in a secure, enclosed area where they can’t run onto nearby roads or become disorientated and lost. It’s also vital and a legal requirement that, should the worst happen and you get separated, your pet is wearing a collar and tag and that their microchip details are up to date.”

Stop, look, and listen

“Our four-legged friends aren’t naturally street smart when it comes to avoiding traffic, so it’s important to train them to stop and wait to help prevent them rushing onto an unsafe road. To do this you’ll need three separate commands – ‘sit’, ‘wait’, and ‘go’.

“When approaching a curb, ask your pet to sit and wait while you check the road is clear, rewarding them when they’re calm and sitting. Once the coast is clear, instruct them to cross safely and reward them when they reach the other side. Make sure you do this each time you cross the road to help your pet learn the routine, and understand that it’s more rewarding to wait than to dash across the road.”

Stay visible

“It’s always best to walk your dog during daylight hours but, as the days get shorter, this may become trickier, so making sure you and your pup are both visible on your walks is important. 

“Wearing a high visibility jacket is great for this, as is brightly coloured clothing, so that drivers can spot you. You can also use a reflective lead, harness and LED collar for your pooch.

Remember to take a torch to help keep your surroundings illuminated when you venture out, too, and choose roads with pavements where you can”

Master key commands

“It’s a good idea to consider teaching your dog an emergency ‘stop’ command – as an extra safety precaution. Even if they aren’t let off the lead, being able to control them in an emergency is important for their safety.

“It only takes something small to spook your dog and for them to run towards the road, so training them to obey this verbal instruction is another safeguard to keep you both happy and safe while out and about.”

For more information on ensuring your dog gets enough exercise, visit:

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/6-road-safety-tips-for-dog-owners

PDSA: Remember, remember your pets this November

Five top tips to help your pets this fireworks season

Bonfire Night is fast approaching, so PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is urging pet owners to take steps to help prevent their furry family members from becoming anxious this fireworks season.

Many of our pets’ senses are far more acute than ours, so loud noises and bright flashes can be overwhelming, making fireworks season a potentially traumatic and anxious time. In fact, the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that 41 per cent of dog owners and 30 per cent of cat owners said their pets were afraid of fireworks*.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “In 2021, in our 48 Pet Hospitals across the country we saw 1,200 animals with firework related issues such as phobias and injuries, highlighting the real impact on our furry friends.

“November can be an especially scary period for our pets because of this, but taking the time to prepare them for our celebrations can make a huge difference. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to help four-legged family members feel more comfortable this November. 

  1. Start early

“Talk to your vet if you know your pet becomes distressed by fireworks – they may be able to prescribe medication to help. The earlier you begin desensitising pets to the sounds that come with Bonfire Night, the less likely they are to have a negative association with them. Play firework noises quietly throughout the house and reward your pet with praise and a healthy treat when they remain calm. Gradually increase the noise but stop immediately if they begin to show any signs of distress – try again at a lower volume once they feel at ease. It’s important to go at your pet’s pace – remember some animals may have a lower tolerance to loud noises than others.

  1. Use music and pheromones

“Music can be really helpful to drown out the sound of bangs, but if your pet isn’t used to the tunes, that could be a surprise in itself. Use your own playlist, or try one we’ve created, and play it around the house in the days leading up to Bonfire Night, then when you need the music to mask the noise, your pet should be used to it. Remember that plug-in pheromone diffusers can also help to relax your pet – for the best results these need to be set up as far in advance of Bonfire night as possible.

  1. Keep them safe

“Make sure dogs have been to the toilet and cats are indoors well before dark – you can offer their dinner a bit earlier so they know what time to come home. Remember, cats will need litter trays, so they can stay safely indoors. Frightened pets can go into fight or flight mode and may try to escape when they hear loud bangs, so make sure windows, doors, cat flaps, and doggy doors are secure so that your pet stays safely inside. Check for any small holes or gaps in fence panels that your pet may be able to squeeze through in a panic if the worst happens and they escape from the house, and make sure your microchip details are up to date!

  1. Set up a retreat

“Creating a space where your pet feels safe and secure will give them somewhere to go if they feel anxious. Choose a quiet room where they feel comfortable. Create a ‘den’ they can retreat into that has thick blankets, bedding, and pillows which can help to muffle the sound of loud bangs – cats may prefer these up on high shelves. Their favourite toys may also help take their mind off the noise.

  1. Plan ahead

“Writing the dates and times of any local displays in your calendar or setting a reminder on your phone means you can plan to be home to provide reassurance. Knowing what’s on in advance also allow you to ensure your pet is safely indoors before fireworks begin, and gives you plenty of time to prepare their safe space.”

For more advice on how to prepare for Bonfire Night with your pets, please visit

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworksready

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity. We’re on a mission to improve pet wellbeing through prevention, education and treatment.

Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps us reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information. 

www.pdsa.org.uk

Dogs Trust issues Howl-oween Advice 

Halloween can be a scary time of year not just for those participating in trick or treating, but for dogs, who may find unexpected knocks at the door and people dressed in costumes unsettling.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is sharing its top tips for dog owners to help their pets have a safe and happy Halloween. 

Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder said: “Halloween can be fun for all the human members of the family, but for dogs it can be a frightening time of the year.

“Your dog may be exposed to many unfamiliar sights and sounds, and they could easily become overwhelmed by the number of knocks at the door from people they don’t recognise, combined with being unnerved by the sound of any fireworks.” 

There are lots of simple steps you can take to help keep your dog safe and happy this Halloween with Dogs Trust’s top tips: 

·       Adapt your routine in order to miss the costumes and fireworks  

It’s a good idea to head out before any festivities may begin and take extra tasty treats with you. If you spot any trick or treaters whilst you’re out, head away from them and reward your dog with a treat whilst you turn around to avoid any ghoulish encounters that might scare your dog.  

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, gradually change your dog’s routine by walking them earlier in the day to allow them time to exercise and toilet before dark. With more people out at night than normal, it’s best to keep your dog at home and in sight for safe keeping, whilst ensuring microchip details are kept up to date with the database in case they vanish out of the door during a trick or treat visit. Your dog also needs to wear an ID tag on their collar. 

·       Ensure your dog is comfortable 

Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried. This should be a quiet and cosy familiar place in the house that will give them the chance to relax undisturbed.  

Some dogs may cope better by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out and try to stay with them in the room they are most comfortable, so they know they aren’t alone. 

For other dogs who may not appear worried, it’s good to keep them occupied with their favourite items or activities. Experiment before the firework and spooky evenings begin, and slowly introduce them, to find out what your dog will enjoy the most.    

·       Keep human treats and sweets safely out of your dog’s reach 

Many human treats, especially chocolate, are toxic to dogs. It’s safest to keep these treats well out of your dog’s reach, and in case they accidently sneak a human treat, you can teach your dog to leave it before the trick or treaters start knocking.  

·       Be careful when opening doors so your dog doesn’t accidentally escape 

Before Halloween arrives, think about your dog’s access to the door. Popping your dog on a lead before you open the door or ensuring they don’t have access to the door when trick or treaters pop by will help to keep them safe. If you can’t close off access to your door, you can teach your dog to wait at doorways, decreasing the chance of your dog running out the door or jumping up at trick or treaters. 

·       Keep the costumes and dressing up for humans only 

Adding a new and unfamiliar item for your dog to wear can cause them to be uncomfortable. You should also be aware of anything that could cause abrasions or irritations, resulting in your dog overheating, or stopping them from expressing normal behaviour. 

·       Feed your dog their main meals before the trick or treating begins so they can eat at a relaxed time 

You could save a small portion of their food to prepare some food-based enrichment activities for later in the evening, to help keep them calm and relaxed. 

·       Think twice about taking your dog out trick or treating 

Even dogs who aren’t fazed by people dressed up and all the excitement involved with Halloween may not enjoy it for as long as you do. They might prefer to be at home in their safe and comfy space with their favourite enrichment activity and toys. 

Halloween is the start of a disruptive and noisy week for dogs with fireworks also happening in the lead up to Bonfire Night.  

Susan adds: “Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying experience for them.

“Following the recent news that firework displays that are run by local councils have been cancelled in some parts of the UK, there may be a rise in people hosting private firework displays at home.  

“We urge dog owners to be extra prepared for a rise in neighbourhood displays, and to look at our full guidance on how to help their dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. Private firework displays may not be limited to one night, so it is very important for all dog owners to seek out advice early, in order to have a comfortable fireworks season with their dog.” 

For guidance on how to help your dog cope during fireworks, visit the Dogs Trust website  

If you are planning to host a firework display at home: 

·       Let your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs.  

·       Limit your display to 30 minutes or less.  

·       Opt for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.   

For some fun, dog friendly ideas for a ‘cosy night in’, try our pumpkin treats. 

For further information on keeping your dog safe and happy at Halloween, please head to our website: Halloween advice | Dogs Trust 

Dogs Trust issues advice for owners ahead of the firework season

Firework season will soon whizz-pop into our lives and for this Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, Dogs Trust West Calder is issuing advice to dog owners to help our canine companions, who might be scared by the unexpected bangs and bursts of fireworks. 

Susan Tonner, Dogs Trust West Calder Manager said: “Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying and confusing experience for them.

“Fireworks tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be distressing and have a lasting impact on dogs. 

“There are lots of things dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful including having a clear plan, ahead of time, to help their dog cope. Dogs will respond to fireworks in different ways, some will want to find a cosy hiding place, whilst others will want reassurance. It is important to recognise the individual needs of your dog, whilst also letting your dog do what makes them feel most comfortable.” 

The charity urges owners to visit its website for full guidance on how to help dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. The top tips include: 

·       Adapt your routine – To avoid taking your dog out when fireworks have started, gradually change their routine in the weeks leading up to events. For example, it may be a good idea to start walking them earlier in the day alongside gradually changing their feeding time to allow them time to exercise, eat and toilet before dark.   

·       Plan ahead – Ensure you are aware of any local firework displays and make arrangements so your dog is not left alone. Prepare their environment in advance, close curtains, turn on the lights, and turn on the television or some music to help block the outside noise. 

·       Keep your dog safe – Make sure your house and garden are secure.  

·       Recognise the needs of your dog – Fireworks can spark varied reactions from dogs, some will appear relaxed and unbothered by the loud bangs; others will show signs of anxiety or fear. They may show subtle signs, such as panting or licking their lips, finding somewhere to hide or seeking attention from their human family. Or they may show more obvious signs, such as pacing, barking or even toileting in the house. Whilst these signs can be directly related to fear of noise, they can also indicate underlying health problems so please contact your vet as early as possible. 

·       Enable their preferred response by letting your dog do what they feel most comfortable with. Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried by fireworks. Introduce this safe place well in advance and encourage them there by building up positive associations with their new ‘den’. Other dogs will cope best by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out. Some dogs may not seem worried, and it’s best to keep them occupied with their favourite toys or activities to reduce the likelihood of them becoming anxious – experiment before the firework season begins, and slowly introduce them, to find out what they enjoy the most. It is important to remember, fear of fireworks can appear at any time and any age, so it is essential to support your dog throughout their life.   

·       Seek guidance from your vet – they can help with advice, refer you to a clinical behaviourist, and may also prescribe medication if deemed necessary to help your dog cope. Medication can be extremely useful where dogs are fearful as it can not only help them cope during the fireworks event, but also stop their fear escalating after each event. Give any prescribed medication well in advance of events starting. 

Susan adds: “We recommend noting down how your dog reacted during the fireworks and what worked well to help them cope in preparation for the next firework event.

“The following day, after an evening of fireworks, we would also advise returning to a normal routine to help dogs settle down. If they were worried during fireworks, it is a good idea to seek professional help before the next firework season starts.” 

If you are planning a firework display at home, please consider: 

·       Letting your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs. 

·       Limiting your display to 30 minutes or less. 

·       Opting for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.  

For those who have welcomed a puppy into their life recently, check out the free sound therapy programmes, that can help to gradually expose puppies to different noises in a positive way, so they can perceive them as normal.   

For detailed advice on preparing your dog for fireworks season visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks 

Dogs Trust recommends dog owners to seek veterinary advice for any concerns. They can check if there are any contributing medical problems, and if necessary, refer you to a clinical behaviourist. Read our advice on finding a qualified behaviourist 

Cat lovers urged to support compulsory microchipping

Cats Protection has urged Scottish pet lovers to join its campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats – a measure which is already in place for dogs.

The charity says compulsory microchipping would be a major step forward in feline welfare in Scotland, yet there are currently no plans for it to be introduced. This is in contrast with England, where the measure is due to become law.

Scottish animal lovers are now being asked to join the charity’s campaign by using an online form on its website to contact their MSP to ask they support the move.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Scotland Alice Palombo said: “Microchipping is an important part of responsible pet ownership and is already compulsory for dogs in Scotland. It is also due to become compulsory for pet cats in England, so we’re keen to make sure cats in Scotland are not left behind.

“Compulsory microchipping of pet cats would ensure more cats can be reunited with their owners if they are lost or missing. It also helps to identify cats which have sadly died in road accidents, and helps to reduce the pressure on animal charities which may find it impossible to trace the owner of an un-microchipped stray or lost cat, despite their best efforts.

“We’re asking for the help of cat lovers in Scotland to send a message to MSPs that cats deserve the same level of protection as their canine counterparts.”

Animal lovers can fill in a simple form on Cats Protection’s website which will send an email to their local MSP telling them to support compulsory microchipping of pet cats.

To find out more, please visit: www.cats.org.uk/scot-chipping

Vet charity appeals for volunteers ahead of South Bridge shop launch

PDSA, the vet charity for pets in need, is calling on kind-hearted volunteers to support its life-saving work by offering a helping hand in its soon-to-be launched Edinburgh charity shop.

The store, which is set to open next month, will help to fund vital veterinary work across PDSA’s 48 Pet Hospitals – including its local centre in the city – which care for thousands of pets whose owners struggle to afford essential treatments.

Cluster Shop Manager Fiona Lawrie, who will co-ordinate the opening of the South Bridge shop, is encouraging animal lovers who can spare a few hours a week to get in touch and find out about the exciting opportunities available.

Fiona said: “The pandemic had a huge impact on PDSA’s fundraising activities which is why the support provided by the incredible people who volunteer in our shops is so important.

“We receive no government funding towards running our vital vet services and everything we do is supported by the generosity of the pet-loving public whose kind donations of time, money, and items mean we can be there for pets and their owners when they are most in need.

“Volunteering is an excellent way to assist charities and do something that makes a real difference to the lives of others, but it is also a great way to make new friends, gain confidence, and enhance your CV. 

“We’re looking for friendly and dedicated people aged 18 or over to join our team at South Bridge in Edinburgh – it doesn’t matter if you don’t have previous retail experience, we provide full training and we’ll reimburse your travel expenses so you’re not out of pocket. All you need is a few spare hours a week, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.”

To find out about volunteering opportunities at the new store, please contact Fiona Lawrie by calling 07557 196831 or email lawrie.fiona@pdsa.org.uk.

Alternatively, visit the following link to apply for a role online: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/volunteer-south-bridge.

No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

PDSA encourages all supporters to sign up for Gift Aid* if they are a UK taxpayer, to help their donations go even further. Gift Aid allows PDSA to claim an additional 25 per cent of the value of each item sold.