Newshound Ady & Flo www.sunlive.co.nz

It's coming up to that crazy time of year again.
Normally sane, intelligent people turn into stark raving mad pyromaniacs and celebrate the failed plot of a 400-year-old terrorist by blowing stuff up, burning stuff down, and scaring the daylights out of animals.
A nasty, pointless ritual, it would be better forgotten, or at least focussed on organised displays, rather than the haphazard and random acts of mini terrorism around the streets and backyards of our region.

However, if you MUST play juvenile and pathetic games with fire and gunpowder, at least be sensible around the animals.
Here are a few tips for Guy Fawkes:
Feed your pet before the fireworks start, a full stomach makes them sleepy and can help them relax.
• Take them outside for a toilet stop before the fireworks start.
• Have your pet's favourite toy and their bed ready for them inside.
• Keep pets indoors with curtains pulled and away from any fireworks.
• If your pet wants to hide, that's fine - let them
• Turning on the television or stereo can disguise the sounds of fireworks.
• Try not to reward your dog for being scared, we know it's hard not to cuddle them, but its best just to be around and ignore any anxious looks, or it can help to distract them.
• If you know your pets will get to upset or will not handle the fireworks, please check some of our calming options below or check with your vets for other options.
• Remember to check your pet is micro-chipped, has a collar and ID tag, just in case they run from your property if they are scared.
• If you have small pets or birds, make sure to partially cover their cages or enclosures with a blanket, especially if they are outside, as this gives them an area that is sound protected.
• Provide your small pets with a little more bedding, so they can burrow into it and feel safe, if they want to.

Or a better idea – don't buy any
fireworks – donate the money you
save on them and first aid treatment
for burns, to the local SPCA!
– Flo.