People in Edinburgh who have successfully given up smoking in the last couple of years are being encouraged by a campaigning health charity to share their experiences about how they managed to quit.
As part of the charity’s preparations for No Smoking Day which takes place on 13 March, ASH Scotland is urging Edinburgh residents to share details of their journeys to live a tobacco-free life by highlighting the motivating factors which prompted their quit smoking attempts and if they gave up through sheer willpower and personal determination or the types of support they found to be most useful.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Ahead of No Smoking Day on 13 March, we would love to hear from people in Edinburgh about their successful experiences in the last couple of years or so of giving up smoking for good.
“We look forward to discovering everyone’s inspirational stories, which could encourage others to quit smoking for the first time or try again to live a life free from tobacco and enjoy a healthier future with opportunities to spend their money in other ways.”
ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. For more information, follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.
As Euro 2024 approaches, excitement is building among UK football fans planning to visit Germany for the tournament. However, post-Brexit travel rules and potential additional costs are crucial considerations for UK travellers.
Travel experts from Football Ticket Pad, delve into the key aspects UK fans need to be aware of to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
Passport Validity and Visas
Since Brexit, UK passports must meet specific criteria for travel within the Schengen Area, including Germany:
Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return.
Issue Date: Passports older than 10 years, even with validity remaining, might not be accepted.
For stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period, UK citizens do not require visas for tourism, including attending sports events. However, keep an eye on any changes in visa policy as the event draws closer.
ETIAS Requirement (Expected from 2024)
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be operational by 2024. UK citizens may need to apply for this pre-travel authorization, similar to the US ESTA system. The process involves a small fee and is completed online.
Health and Travel Insurance
With the UK no longer part of the EU, European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) issued in the UK are not valid. It’s vital to have comprehensive travel insurance that includes health coverage. Failure to have appropriate insurance might result in significant costs if medical care is needed.
Roaming Charges and Connectivity
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free roaming within the EU no longer applies to UK mobile users. Check with your provider for specific roaming policies and consider purchasing a local SIM card in Germany for cost-effective data and calls.
Driving in Germany
If you plan to drive:
International Driving Permit (IDP): Depending on the type of UK licence you have, you may need an IDP.
Vehicle Insurance: Ensure your vehicle insurance covers travel in Germany.
Emission Stickers: Some German cities require an emissions sticker to drive in certain areas.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Laws
Understanding local customs and laws can help avoid unintentional disrespect or fines:
Recycling Laws: Germany has strict recycling laws. Improper disposal of waste can result in fines.
Public Behaviour: Disorderly behaviour, especially in public spaces, is frowned upon and can attract penalties.
Managing Costs and Budgeting
Currency Exchange: Remember, Germany uses the Euro. Keep an eye on exchange rates and consider using travel cards to manage currency exchange fees.
Accommodation and Travel: Book NOW, to secure better rates. Consider alternative accommodations like hostels or Airbnb.
Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience
Emergency Numbers: Familiarise yourself with local emergency contacts. In Germany, 112 is the emergency number.
Language: While many Germans speak English, learning basic German phrases can enhance your experience.
Event Tickets and Local Transport: Ensure your event tickets are booked in advance and research local transport options.
James O’Leary, from Football Ticket Pad says: “While the post-Brexit era has brought changes to travelling from the UK to EU countries like Germany, with adequate preparation and awareness of the new rules and potential costs, UK fans can look forward to an exciting and memorable experience at Euro 2024.
“Remember, the key to a smooth trip lies in planning ahead and staying informed!”
AGE Scotland has produced a new guide to support older people through the #costofliving crisis.
It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, cost-effective recipes, and a directory on where to go for help:
The cost of living crisis is forcing many older people to make incredibly difficult financial choices between powering and heating their homes and the food they can afford to buy.
Age Scotland’s helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their energy bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are now at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.
Their Big Survey 2023 really highlights the stark reality and toll the cost of living crisis has taken on older people’s financial and physical wellbeing.
Age Scotland has pulled together this guide to support older people as we believe nobody should face the ongoing cost of living crisis alone.
It’s packed with advice on energy bills, tips on how to shop smart and eat well when food prices bite, recipes from top Scottish chefs, including Tom Kitchin and Tony Singh, and a directory on where to go for help.
We hope you find it useful. For further help and advice or to get a benefits check please call our free Helpline on 0800 12 44 222.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is issuing safety advice as people take risks as severe floods continue to cause disruption
As Storm Henk continues to affect large parts of the UK and causes ongoing severe weather conditions, there have been an increasing number of incidents reported involving driving through and entering flood water.
The media has also reported incidents of people falling on slippery banks into open water, with these events sadly resulting in the loss of lives; including three male victims named in North Yorkshire and one woman in Scotland.
With the increase in number of weather-related accidents, there have also been hundreds of rescues as emergency services have been enlisted to help navigate the stormy conditions.
And with harsh weather set to continue and more serious flood warnings expected, safety around floodwater could mean the difference between life and death.
Due to the hazardous weather conditions, RLSS UK is urging people to use its water safety advice in a flood:
RLSS UK’s quick advice tips for staying safe during times of flooding:
Never try to walk or drive through floodwater – six inches of fast flowing water can knock an adult over and two feet of water will float a car.
Never try to swim through fast flowing water or flood water – you may get swept away or be struck or caught up in an object in the water. If stuck, call 999 and wait for help.
If you see someone in trouble in the water – do not go in yourself to attempt to rescue them – shout for help, call 999, and find a nearby rescue device such as a life buoy. If there is no water rescue equipment nearby – try and find something that floats and throw it to them if possible.
Get to the highest level if trapped in a building – only get on the roof if necessary and signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
Keep an eye on weather reports for flooding in your area. Do not travel in heavy rainstorms unless necessary.
Once flood water has rescinded stay well clear of the water’s edge as it is likely to be extremely slippery and prone to erosion in places.
2023 was particularly harsh on young drivers, with premiums soaring by over 50% as the cost-of-living pressures took effect.
The sky-high cost of learning to drive combined with these higher insurance premiums and new emissions costs for older cars, are all making it a struggle for young drivers to get on the roads.
Data shows the average car insurance premium for young 18-year-old drivers increased to £1207 in 2023.
The experts at Quotezone.co.uk have revealed ten savings hacks to help young drivers give their finances a fresh start for the new year.
One of the most important things for young drivers is to be safe and avoid penalty points, a fifth of convicted drivers in the UK have been driving for a year or less – according to a sample of over 15,000 convicted drivers, analysed by Quotezone.co.uk.
Penalty points on a licence may not only result in a steep fine but will also bump up the insurance costs. Drivers can expect premiums to rise by 5% for three points and 25% for six points if they’re starting from a clean licence.
Young drivers or those with penalty points may be able to get cheaper insurance by opting for a telematics policy, or black box insurance.
Black box insurance starts collecting data on their driving immediately, if they’re a safe driver, this can help the insurer see them as less of a risk and may result in a more competitive price. Although, like all premiums this year, prices are on the rise, in 2023 telematics was still able to save young drivers an average of £75 annually.
Age group 18-24
NO telematics
YES telematics
2021
£1199
£938
2022
£1047
£1050
2023
£1230
£1155
Quotezone.co.uk CEO Greg Wilson said: “Young drivers had a tough 2023 with delays to driving tests and backlogs for lessons plus the rising cost of everything associated with motoring – insurance, repairs, fuel – we’re hoping 2024 is a much better and cheaper year for those new to the road.
“There are lots of things young drivers can do to help bring the cost of driving down, from knowing how to avoid even the most unusual fines and penalty points to installing a black box and keeping modifications and mileage to a minimum.
“We’re researched the top 10 ways we think will help young drivers save in 2024 along with the essentials such as shopping around and comparing product details, annual payments if possible and reviewing when exactly is the best time to buy, normally three weeks before the policy is due for renewal is the most competitive.
“Passing your test and taking to the road for the first time is a rite of passage and it would be worrying if new drivers started to struggle to make driving a reality due to cost, hopefully our money saving tips go some way to making a more affordable 2024.”
Quotezone.co.uk’s Top ten hacks that could help young drivers save:
1. Do check your mileage
When taking out insurance, you will be asked to estimate your annual mileage. The costs will rise in incremental bands so the more miles you drive, the more you pay so try to be accurate and realistic with your prediction.
2. Do park in a safe place
Car owners that make use of their garages, driveways or carports for overnight parking could make big savings on their car insurance – parking on driveways rather than on the road can save you over £140 on average every year and carports could save you even more, with £230 savings on average.
3. Do consider switching to a smaller engine
Be sure to check your vehicle’s engine size and horsepower, both can impact the cost of your premium. Also, some small engines are turbocharged and that can give them more power than might be expected, which will likely cause the premium to increase.
4. Do keep modifications to a minimum
It comes as no surprise that adding a custom exhaust or putting in lowered suspension might cause insurance premiums to rise, but even seemingly innocuous changes such as addingbranding to a vehicle can affect the cost.
5. Do consider a black box
A telematics policy, or black box insurance – starts collecting driving data immediately, this can help the insurer with their risk analysis, safer driving increases the chances of a competitive price for young drivers.
6. Don’t over pack the vehicle
Packing items above the seat line will impair vision, while heavy loads are likely to affect a car’s handling and stopping distances. Overloading a car past its capacity is a punishable offence, with a fine of up to £300 and 3 points. Driving without full visibility out all windows is also punishable and could result in a £50 fixed penalty.
7. Don’t forget your sunglasses
Sunglasses are labelled with a ranking from zero to four in order to determine their strength and the time of day they can be worn. The average pair of sunglasses is categorised as a number two – these are recommended for daytime driving. Driving with inappropriate eyewear could be detrimental to other road users, leaving drivers unable to detect dangers. Motorists could be hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points for driving without due care or attention.
8. Don’t use the wrong fuel
Misfuelling is one of the most expensive mistakes motorists make. Pumping diesel fuel into a petrol car can lead to engine failure, leaving motorists to pick up the maintenance costs. Rule 97 of the Highway Code states before drivers set off, they should ensure they have ‘sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving’. Careless or dangerous driving caused by low fuel will see motorists face fines of up to £100 and three points on their license.
9. Don’t leave the car switched on while waiting for friends
‘Idling’ or leaving the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road goes against Section 42 of the Road Traffic Act. Drivers risk a £20 penalty notice that will double if not paid in full within 28 days. According to research conducted by Quotezone.co.uk, almost 11% of drivers fail to turn off their engines while waiting.**
10. Don’t splash pedestrians
Splashing pedestrians is actually illegal under section three of the Road Traffic Act, 1988 – and is considered to be driving ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road’ – resulting in a fine of £100 and three penalty points on the licence, in some cases, fines can reach as much as £5,000 for driving without reasonable consideration for others on the road.
Government sets out the next stages for a number of new Workers’ Rights Acts to support UK workers
UK Government sets out next steps to improve the lives of workers across the UK
Benefits include tips worth £200 million a year in the pockets of hardworking people and more say over working patterns
Government ‘also backing British workers’ by introducing the biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage
Millions are set to benefit as the Westminster government sets out the next stages for a number of new Workers’ Rights Acts – giving more money and more say back to UK workers.
Benefits range from £200 million more back in the pockets of hard-working people, to greater flexibility over when, where and how you work.
Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: “As we approach Christmas, it’s more vital than ever that we do what we can to support workers and families across the country.
“I’d like to encourage businesses to be as flexible as possible and give their hard-working employees the tips they deserve.
“I want to thank the MPs who brought forward this legislation to support hard working families and shape the UK’s outstanding workers’ rights record.”
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which became law in May this year, requires employers to pass all tips on to workers.
Most employers already pass on tips to the staff who earn them. However, there are still some unacceptable tipping practices by unscrupulous employers, which must be stopped.
Christmas is an incredibly busy season for hospitality workers, and usually a time of year when customers are more generous with their tips. All employees deserve to receive their fair share of tips, so the Government has launched a public consultation on the Tipping Act’s Code of Practice to gain feedback from employers, workers and other stakeholders on the fair and transparent distribution of tips.
Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “The shift in recent years towards increased use of flexible working by organisations has allowed more people to better balance their working lives and enabled employers to attract and retain skilled staff.
“Acas has recently consulted on a new draft Code of Practice which outlines good practice around requests for flexible working and explains the forthcoming changes in the law to employers and employees.”
New rights to protect new parents from redundancy, give carers extra support and help all employees work flexibly are also a step closer as government has laid legislation with plans for the measures to come in next spring.
These measures will improve the lives of hard-working families across Britain, aiding workers who have caring responsibilities or parents at risk of redundancy and ensuring everyone is able work as flexibly as needed into the new year.
An extra 2.6 million workers across the UK will benefit from the removal of the 26 week qualifying period that is currently required before making a flexible working request.
Those with caring responsibilities will also be entitled to a brand new employment right to a week’s leave to care for a dependent.
Redundancy protections are also being extended to cover pregnancy, as well as to new parents.
The UK Government is are also backing British workers by introducing the biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage, worth over £1,800 a year for a full-time worker, fulfilling the pledge to end low pay.
When this increase comes into effect in April, the National Living Wage will be worth nearly £21,000 a year for a full time worker – almost double, in cash terms, the amount which a full time worker on the National Minimum Wage earned in 2010.
For the first time, 21 years olds will be legally entitled to the National Living Wage, which is set to reach two-thirds of average earnings.
RoSPA: with overall hospital admissions up across the board it’s more important than ever to prevent accidents and both reduce pressure on the NHS and ensure people’s Christmas isn’t ruined by spending hours in overcrowded A&Es.
RoSPA: Have fun and enjoy the festive period safely
Enjoy the festive season but make it a safe one too, that’s the message from accident prevention experts, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), ahead of the Christmas chaos.
NHS figures show that overall total hospital admissions for all causes were up last year[i], with over half a million emergency admissions – the equivalent to the population of Edinburgh requiring urgent treatment.
Jim Oram, Public Health Project Officer at RoSPA advises reducing accident risk to avoid spending hours in overcrowded accident and emergency departments: “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement during the festive period, but having more people in the home can add to the risks.
“With some forward planning and awareness of potential hazards, your festive season can be safe and happy for everyone.”
Here are RoSPA’s top tips to stay safe this festive season:
Reduce the risk of a fall
In the UK, we saw 7,229 patients admitted to hospital last December with hip fractures and that was up 20 per cent on the year before[1]. Keep yourself and loved ones safe by keeping the floor, stairs and walkways clear, and clean up any spillages as soon as you can. And if the weather takes an icy turn, grit the paths and walkways outside.
Only purchase gifts from reputable traders
When buying presents, opt for reputable retailers, especially when shopping online. If a trader does not have a high street presence in the UK, check online reviews before buying. Online sellers should have a UK address listed on their website.
Look for the CE, UKCA, UKNI, and Lion marks on toys, and check for age-appropriateness and warnings.
Button batteries in toys should always be inside a lockable compartment, and any magnets used in toys should be secure to avoid ingestion.
Prepare for young visitors
There are some fantastically fun novelty decorations out at this time of year, but it’s important to remember these are not toys and therefore do not have to comply with toy safety regulations.
If you have a young family or have children visiting, always be mindful of decorations they could put into their mouths. Some decorations are particularly risky, such as ones with unsecure button batteries, ones made from glass and those with magnets inside. It’s also worth having a check that cleaning products, vapes and medications are kept out of reach, and blind cords have the appropriate safety fixtures.
Think fire safety
Last year there were nearly 200,000 house fires in the UK alone[2], so taking fire safety seriously is key.
Use electrical candles over real flames, keep decorations and cards away from heat sources, replace old Christmas lights and try not to leave anything plugged in overnight.
Maximise kitchen safety
It’s a familiar scene – the chef cooking the roasties while helpers ferry plates from A to B, and children run around high on the festivities of the day. And while everyone should enjoy the atmosphere, it’s best to keep spirits high by avoiding accidents. Allow ample time to avoid accidents from rushing and where possible, keep non-helpers out of the kitchen.
Figures from the Hip Fracture Database indicate a peak in falls around December[3], so be sure to clean up spills and clutter promptly to reduce the risk of your family or friends falling over.
Keep hot crockery and drinks out of reach
Burns are the fourth common form of trauma worldwide, after road traffic collisions, falls and interpersonal violence[4], with around half of those affected children. With a higher frequency of hot drinks, food, and cooked edibles around, be mindful to keep hot pans, plates and drinks out of reach.
Edinburgh urged to get winter ready after chilling -8C lows
A WATER expert is calling on the public to get their homes prepared for winter to avoid burst pipes and irreparable damage during Scotland’s coldest months.
With the Met Office reporting temperatures as low as -8C in Edinburgh last winter, Scottish Water has launched its ‘Be Winter Wise’ campaign sharing simple steps to save water, save money and protect homes.
In 2022 the public body reported a surge in burst pipes due to rapid thaw, resulting in millions of pounds worth of damage and an additional 250 million litres of water a day pumped into the network.
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “If last winter is anything to go by, homeowners, landlords and businesses around the country need to take early action to protect their properties and their pockets this year.
“Something as simple as insulating pipes can have a positive impact on safeguarding homes and workplaces. And reducing the amount of hot water you use, like taking two minutes off your shower, can also help save money too.
“We’re hoping the launch of our six crucial tips and tricks will put Scotland’s properties in a better place as the days get considerably colder.”
Now, Scottish Water has shared its top tips to help the public prepare for sub-zero temperatures and to prevent problems such as burst pipes, flooding and water leakages – and the inconvenience and expense that come with them.
Scottish Water’s six top tips for winter safety are:
Protect your pipes
When temperatures fall below zero, water in pipes expands as it freezes. It then contracts as the temperature rises, which can cause pipes to crack or burst. Insulating pipes and water tanks is one of the simplest and cheapest things that can be done to help protect properties from the cold.
Locate your stop valve
If pipes do freeze or burst, you must find and turn off your stop valve immediately. It is often under a sink or near the hot water system. If in doubt, check with a local, licensed plumber.
Warm yourself, not the room
Stay cosy with hot water bottles and drinks, but only boil what you need – a full mug boils faster than a full kettle.
Save on energy bills
Shorter showers can reduce energy bills and save water, which is a win for you and our planet. Try taking just two minutes off your shower and save up to £130 off your annual energy bill*.
Avoid blocks and floods
Stovies, soups and stews are great winter warmers for this time of year. But don’t pour fats, oils or grease down the sink – when they cool, they congeal and cause blockages in your pipes, which could lead to flooding. Why not make your own ‘gunk pot’ – www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/homemade-gunk-pots/
Save water and money
Using a dishwasher or washing machine on its eco setting can save you money on energy and save water – which is good for the planet. Washing full loads make sense too, getting your money’s worth out of each cycle.
Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “Winter can be an expensive time of year, so it makes sense to save on your energy bills by using less water. Water is always worth saving at any time of year and making small lifestyle or business changes can do just that.
“We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to minimise winter’s impact. We want to work with our customers – whether they’re householders or businesses – to ensure we are all ready for cold weather.”
Publicly owned Scottish Water will be visiting communities as part of a winter roadshow, giving in-person advice to customers. Drop in events will be held in Newton Mearns, Stirling, Rutherglen, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness throughout November and December.
As Halloween approaches, charity Guide Dogs is highlighting the importance of preparing puppies ahead of the big day, with Halloween festivities exposing young dogs to many potentially overwhelming new experiences.
Puppies are naturally curious but can become fearful when confronted with unfamiliar situations. Early socialisation helps dogs to build confidence and adapt to new situations, making them more able to handle situations calmly.
All guide dogs are carefully socialised throughout their time as puppies before undertaking comprehensive 6-month training programmes once fully grown. If they are successful in their training, they become trusted companions, helping people with sight loss live active, independent, and full lives.
The sight loss charity recently hosted a Halloween socialisation afternoon for a litter of seven five-week old prospective guide dog puppies, exposing them to new and unusual objects they might encounter during spooky season from pumpkins, to fancy dress and ghostly decorations.
As well as being alert to new and potentially scary experiences, the charity is also encouraging new puppy owners to be extra vigilant of what their four-legged pals are eating at this tempting time of year, as Halloween typically sees a surge in dogs getting hold of sweet treats, such as chocolate, which is poisonous to dogs.
To help get your puppy Halloween ready and avoid them getting spooked, tricked or freaked this Halloween, Hannah Wright, National Dog Training Lead from Guide Dogs reveals the charity’s top tips:
1. Walk your dog earlier in the day, before any trick-or-treaters are out on the streets. Plenty of exercise will also likely mean your dog is more relaxed and calmer in the evening if there are strange-looking visitors or noises outside.
2. If you know your dog may struggle when the areas around your house are busier, plan ahead and create some soothing enrichment activities you can do with them at home if they wish to.
3. If you have children coming to your home for sweets, make sure your dog has a cosy quiet den well away from the front door. You can always leave a bowl outside on your front step with a sign to stop people knocking or ringing the doorbell. If you are not open to trick-or-treaters, make sure the front of your house is dark.
4. If your dog is frightened by someone in a costume or mask or struggles to recognise a family member when they are dressed up, don’t force them to interact. Halloween can be confusing – it’s best to remove strange accessories if it makes your dog feel more comfortable.
5. And leave the costumes for the humans. Dogs should not be dressed up in Halloween outfits, as they may find this a stressful experience. Such costumes can be hot, irritating or limit your dog’s movement.
6. The candle inside a jack-o’-lantern can be very dangerous; never leave a lit candle alone, and never have them on the floor when you have children or dogs present.
7. Keep all Halloween sweets and chocolate well out of reach, and make sure any visiting children know they are not to share any of their treats with pets. Chocolate, raisins and the sweetener Xylitol are all toxic to dogs, and ingesting plastic wrappers or foil can cause issues too.
To support the charity, enrich your dog’s life and receive treats for you and your four-legged friend, subscribe to Good Dog! at:
Fireworks can be super scary for our pets. According to the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, 41% of dogs and 30% of cats are scared of fireworks – that’s 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats across the UK.
“Fireworks can be very scary and stressful for our pets,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “It’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t and shouldn’t be in danger when they hear or see fireworks, but as their senses are much stronger than ours, they experience fireworks so much more intensely than we do.
“Fortunately, there are plenty of little things you can do to keep your cats and dogs calm throughout fireworks season, and the earlier you start, the easier it will be on the night!”
Preparation is key
Check the dates of any nearby firework displays so you know when to expect the loud bangs and flashes.
Make sure you have curtains/blinds on all your windows and close them to block out the flashes of light.
Shut and secure all windows, doors and cat flaps and play some music or have the TV on to drown out some of the noise outside
Build pets a safe haven den
Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date to give you a better chance of being reunited if they run away from home.
Plug in a pheromone diffuser
Create a ‘safe space’ for them by making a firework den
“A cosy, safe den can help your pet feel safe and secure if they are frightened on fireworks night,” suggests Nina.
Make it somewhere they go when they feel worried. Cats often feel safest when they’re up high, so they’ll probably like their den to be on a shelf, on top of a wardrobe, or in the top of a cupboard. A covered cat bed is ideal for helping them feel protected, but make sure it’s well secured and won’t fall off wherever you put it. Dogs may prefer their den behind the sofa, under a table, in a crate, or inside a big, safe, empty cupboard. You know your pet best!
Make the den a few weeks before fireworks season starts so they get used to it, and give them treats/praise when they go in so they think of it as a nice place.
Make it as enclosed as possible by using an enclosed bed, a cardboard box, or by draping blankets over whatever you’re using.
Make it comfortable with their bed or lots of cushions and blankets, put some of their favourite toys and treats in it, too.
Give them access to it at all times, but never force them into it or shut them inside it.
Make sure they have a bowl of water very near to it.
Don’t be disheartened if they don’t use it, or choose to hide somewhere else.
Keep an eye on them when they’re in the den, but don’t disturb them – if they’re in it, it’s likely they want to be alone.
Never force them out of the den even if they’ve been in it for a long time – just make sure they have access to food and water.
Pheromones for cats and dogs – get started early
“Pheromones are chemical messages that animals produce to mark their territory and communicate with each other, some of which help them feel calm,” explains Nina.
“You can help your pet feel extra calm on fireworks night by using a pheromone diffuser, or spray, which contains man-made ‘happy’ pheromones.
“For the best effect, plug a diffuser in a few weeks before firework season begins and keep it topped up until the season has ended. If you’re using a spray (for more immediate effect), let it settle for 15 minutes before allowing your pet into the room so all the alcohol in it has evaporated – it’s not dangerous, they just don’t like the smell.”
When to contact your vet
“If you have tried all the recommended steps and your pet is still scared of fireworks, your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help relax them on the night.
“These medications should only be used as a short-term solution. Speak to your vet well before fireworks season to allow yourself enough time to find the most effective medication for your pet.”
Desensitisation
“It is possible to teach your pets that firework noises aren’t frightening, this is called ‘desensitisation’, then to convince them they are a good thing, this is called ‘counterconditioning’,” explains Nina.
“However, unfortunately this is not a quick process, and has to be taken slowly, so it’s unlikely to benefit your pet straight away. If your pet struggles over the next few months, talk to your vet about setting up a training program for next year.”
Step 1: Play firework sounds through a speaker at home, at a very low volume. Act normally, but watch your pet for any reaction which might indicate stress or anxiety. If they react at all, stop the session and start again the next day at a lower volume. If they seem comfortable, keep playing the sounds for a few minutes before turning them off.
Step 2: Repeat at the current volume a number of times over a few days, and if they seem completely comfortable, increase the volume slightly, and start again from step one – take this slowly, don’t rush to turn the volume up.
Step 3: Once they are completely happy with very loud firework noises and don’t react at all (desensitisation), you can start convincing them that the noises are a good thing (counterconditioning). Do this by turning on the firework sounds and giving them a treat straight away. As soon as they finish the treat, turn the sounds off. Eventually, your pet will start to associate the noises with a treat and might even start to enjoy the noises or get excited!
For more information. and to download PDSA’s free fireworks guide, visit:
