Fireworks and November 5th.

Camp Nibble rescue in Leeds has produced this excellent poster



Please sign their petition to improve the lives of the UK's pet rabbits- One year a 100,000 signatures needed!
Please sign it now.

Camp Nibble Website  www.campnibble.com/

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Keep your pets safe and sound

Wood Green, The Animals Charity is urging responsible pet owners to protect their pets this fireworks season. From Bonfire Night to New Year celebrations, every year thousands of animals suffer as a result of fireworks being let off.

It is important that people and pet owners are aware of how much suffering can be caused to animals by the casual use of fireworks. We are urging animal lovers to help us spread the word and tell people what they can do to help their pets cope.

Wood Green Animal Charity have made this video to give people an idea of what if feels like for an animal when something inexplicable happens that threatens their sense of well-being and security, like fireworks. We hope you'll share it



Small animals

Watch Wood Green's advice video or read below for further tips

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Rodents and small animals each have their own way of showing signs of fear. Behaviours to watch out for include:

Rabbits
■Stamping their back feet repetitively, this can continue for several minutes and often occurs after unexpected noises or movements within the environment
■Hiding in a corner head first
■Wide eyes or third eyelid across
■Rapid breathing
■Kicking and biting when picked up
■In some cases a bonded pair of rabbits may have a fight

Guinea pigs
■Darting around, running at the walls
■Wide eyes
■Stiffened body
■Rapid breathing
■Hiding in a corner head first
■Digging at the floor trying to cover themselves

Ferrets
■Releasing of scent glands
■Darting quickly under cover
■Hissing
■Shaking of tail and body trembling
■Repetitive aggressive bites in the same area when picked up

Rodents

Rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils have a variety of ways of expressing fear, some can be species specific however, many behaviours are seen in all of the domestic rodent species:
■Hissing
■Squealing when picked up
■High pitched alert squeaks, continuing for several minutes
■Shaking of tail
■Stamping feet for several minutes
■Coat puffed up and walking on ridged tip toes
■Hiding in small spaces
■Launching an attack when a hand enters the accommodation

How to manage a fearful small animal

Small animals often find a large and sudden change of environment distressing. We would reccommend the following:
■Add extra hides and bedding to their accommodation.
■Lock away outdoor pets in their night accommodation slightly earlier than normal to allow them to settle before the fireworks start.
■Provide them with their favourite healthy treats in ways that will stimulate them to forage and focus. This could include hay kebabs, paper rummage bags, stuffed toilet rolls, feed balls and activity treat boards.
■Avoid too much handling.
■Companionship is the biggest protector against fear for most small animals (not all rodents), a neutered pair of rabbits or a small group of same sex guinea pigs are far more likely to remain in a relaxed state as their same species companions offer security and comfort

For more advice on Fireworks and pets such as Cat's and Dogs go on Wood Greens Animla Shelter Website
http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/fireworks%20