Remember, remember the 5th of November… Your clients’ pets certainly will.
Guy Fawkes night isn’t any pets’ idea of fun. But with a little preparation and a message from their trusted vet clinic, your clients can keep their pets safe when the fireworks go off.
Here are some practical tips worth sharing.
Before the fireworks start
Most clients would happily recommend you. But few get asked, and fewer get thanked.
- * Check the ID. Fireworks can send even the most laid-back pet into escape-artist mode. Make sure cats and dogs are microchipped, contact details are up to date and they have a collar with an ID tag where appropriate. Owners can check their details on the NZ Companion Animal Register.
-
- * Create a safe space. Think cosy, quiet and well away from the action. A covered crate, an igloo bed or a favourite hiding spot with familiar blankets and toys can help. Add a few treats to build positive associations, and let pets come and go as they please.
-
- * Make plans to stay home. A familiar face can be reassuring when things get noisy.
On the night itself
- * Walk and feed early. Get the dog walk done well before dusk, and stick to the usual feeding routine. A little exercise and a full tummy might help with settling down.
-
- * Bring everyone inside. Cats, dogs and other outdoor explorers should be safely indoors before the fireworks begin. Lock the cat flap, set up an indoor litter tray and make sure there's been a final toilet stop.
-
- * Block out the noise. Close the windows, doors and curtains, then turn up the TV, radio or some gentle music.
-
- * Keep those paws busy. Food-stuffed toys, lick mats and slow feeders can provide a welcome distraction. Some dogs also find compression wraps comforting.
-
- * Be their calm in the storm. Stay relaxed, offer reassurance if they seek it and never punish a frightened pet. If they'd rather hide under the bed than cuddle on the couch, that's fine too.
Don’t forget small pets and farm animals
It’s not just cats and dogs who find fireworks frightening.
- * Rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. Bring them into a quiet, secure, well-ventilated indoor space where possible. If they must stay outside, make sure their enclosure is protected from flashes and noise, with plenty of ventilation and somewhere to hide.
-
- * Horses and livestock. Check fences, remove potential hazards and keep animals in familiar surroundings with their usual companions where possible. If they need to be moved or stabled because of nearby fireworks, make those arrangements well in advance.
For some pets, a cosy blanket won’t cut it
Firework anxiety can be a genuine phobia for some animals. These pets may benefit from veterinary advice, a longer-term behaviour plan or prescribed medication.
The important bit? Don't leave it until the 4th of November.
Encourage clients with particularly anxious pets to book an appointment early, so there's time to work out the best approach.
Getting the message out (without adding to your workload)
Fireworks go on sale on Monday 2 November. So, the sooner your clients get this advice, the better.
Of course, there's just one tiny problem: with everyone that’s on your plate, who has time to put together another client communication?
Well, you don't have to.
With Vetdesk, you've got two easy ways to keep clients informed:
- * Your clinic's own app. Powered by Vetdesk, it comes with an ever-growing library of pet-care content, tailored to each pet. Your clients get relevant advice right at their fingertips, without your team having to write a single word.
-
- * Email. Want to reach everyone, including clients who haven't downloaded the app? Send an email to your full client list, pulled automatically from your practice management system. Put it together yourself (it's easy) or let our team take care of it at no extra charge. Yes, our marketing support is included in Vetdesk’s standard monthly fee.
-
One less thing on your to-do list. And hopefully, a few less frightened pets this Guy Fawkes.
Curious what your clinic's own app could look like? Request a demo.
