UK vets brace for Bonfire Night

UK vets are warned to brace themselves for an influx in injured pets this Bonfire Night, as PDSA reveals it has treated 800 animals for fireworks phobias and injuries in the past year.

The vet charity has warned this is just the “tip of the iceberg”as millions of pets are frightened by the noise of fireworks.

Tragically, the PDSA also treated 11 pets for serious fireworks-related injuries in the last 12 months, including two whose injuries were so severe they had to be euthanised.

PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones said: “The fireworks season is now in full-swing with people celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night across the UK. But while these occasions are often great fun for families, it’s important to remember that they can be a terrifying experience for our pets.

“Millions of UK pets are affected by fireworks and, while there might not seem much we can do to avoid them, we can take steps to minimise the fear and anxiety many pets suffer.”

Featured in the image above is Zakk, a collie-Alsatian cross, who ended up with severe wounds to his legs and paws last Bonfire Night after becoming spooked by fireworks and bolting from his owner’s garden.

For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworks