Royal Wedding Stress For Pets!

Royal bride-to-be Kate Middleton won’t be the only one suffering stress in her household during the run up to her wedding to Prince William. The chances are that the nation’s pets are also suffering. As people prepare for street parties and celebrations throughout the UK, lack of routine, long distance travel, family and friends in the house and loud noises such as fireworks and general merriment can affect their pets’ behaviour. But help is at hand as Ceva Animal Health, manufacturer of DAP® for dogs and Feliway® for cats has prepared some top tips for dog and cat owners to follow to comfort and reassure their pets at times of stress. Before The Wedding

• Prepare a ‘den’ for your dog, so that he has somewhere to hide during the day and evening. Encourage him to use it by hiding healthy food treats or toys there. If your dog hides in a corner or under a bed, leave him alone and do not try to coax him out. This ‘bolthole’ is where he will feel most secure and must be accessible at all times. You can further help create this comforting ‘den’ for your dog by using a plug in DAP® Diffuser and DAP® Spray
• Make sure you cat has access to its preferred room during the party and can get away from everything, should it all be too much. Feliway® Diffuser and Feliway® Spray can help
• Make sure your pet is microchipped. If they do escape, frightened, confused animals can easily get lost

The Day Of The Wedding

• Ensure your dog is taken out for a walk early in the morning before the party begins and early evening before any fireworks start
• Draw curtains to reduce the noise from outside and play music or have the TV on to help mask the noise of the party and fireworks
• Ignore any fearful behaviour and do not try to comfort your pet. The animal will pick up on your anxiety and this may make the problem worse. Fussing a pet that appears frightened can reward and encourage this behaviour
• Don’t punish your pet. This only confirms that there is something to be afraid of
• Try not to go out while the fireworks are going off. Seeing you acting normally will help your pet feel more settled
• If you are worried that your pet is taking a long time to recover from exposure to situations such as parties and fireworks, speak to your vet about a behavioural therapy programme or referral to a qualified behaviour counsellor

Further information, is available from www.secrettohappypets.com.

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