Dogs home asks for help with scared animals during fireworks night (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Dogs home asks for help with scared animals during fireworks night

7:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Harry Alsop

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is calling upon the UK’s dog-lovers to help it dig up hundreds of rawhide bones for its homeless hounds.

November 5 is a night that most dog owners dread, and for staff at Battersea it is a real challenge, as it can accommodate around 450 dogs at any one time.

Battersea hopes to give each dog a long lasting rawhide bone to help keep it occupied during fireworks night.

Lindsey Quinlan, operations manager, said: "Most dogs hate fireworks, and here at Battersea our dogs find it even more stressful.

"We do as much as we can to help keep them calm in their kennels, like leaving the lights on to drown out the flashes, and playing music with bass so dogs aren’t as spooked by the loud bangs."

Battersea is also hoping for donations of Thundershirts, a snug fitting coat that helps to calm stressed dogs, and Kongs, a rubber toy which can be stuffed with food and treats.

Over in Battersea’s cattery staff and volunteers will be dishing out tasty treats to its feline residents to enjoy throughout the loud bangs and bright flashes. 

Visit www.battersea.org.uk/shop or call 0207 627 7872 to make a donation.