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With November drawing near pet owners are being warned to take extra care of their pets as people prepare to celebrate Guy Fawkes and the Hindu Festival of Diwali with fireworks.

Petplan Equine, the UK's leading specialist equine insurer, receives claims each year relating to injuries caused by the loud bangs and bright lights.

Small animals such as dogs and cats can be more easily protected by keeping them in the house and making sure they have the company of their owners to calm them and provide reassurance. However, horses can be just as terrified by fireworks and so it is equally important to ensure they are kept out of harm's way.

Gill Riley Petplan Equine Vet of the Year, 2009, emphasises that horses need to be safeguarded from the effect of fireworks because they are flight animals. "Being an animal that will try to escape from danger, horses are reactive to sudden noises and light stimulus," he explains. "Therefore, care should be taken in such situations to reduce stress and the risk of injury."

An estimated 60 per cent of all animals become stressed as fireworks are let off, so it is worth considering what you can do to ensure your pets are safe and happy as Fireworks Night approaches.

Find out from neighbours and your local council what plans they have for fireworks celebrations. Organisers of fireworks displays should, in turn, try and ensure that local horse owners are aware of the dates and timings of their events.

On the nights concerned ensure that your horse is stabled rather than out in the field, preferably in the company of other horses, and remember that fireworks parties often start early in the evening. Take time to check during the evening that they are not becoming agitated and are relaxed and settled.

If you don't have a stable for your horse then it is worth looking into the possibility of stabling him with a livery yard around these periods.

As it is predominantly the noise of the fireworks that frightens animals, having a radio on in the background can provide an effective cover and muffle the sound of the celebrations. You could also try putting cotton wool or specially designed ear plugs for your horse's ears, this is a trick often used on racehorses that are upset by the noise of the crowd. If you have a particularly nervous horse then it is worth talking to your vet about any other measures that could be taken to keep them quiet and calm.

To find out more top tips from Gill Riley, Petplan Equine's Vet of the Year, about how to protect your horse during the firework season can be found on www.petplanequine.co.uk/fireworks tips and advice.

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For more information please contact the Petplan press office on:

Name	Telephone	Email
Tolu Akisanya	0208 580 8194	[email protected]
Carl Stephens	0208 707 8335	[email protected]

Petplan Equine is the UK's leading horse insurance provider offering a wide variety of flexible horse insurance and rider insurance policies which cater for all levels of experience.

Established more than 20 years ago, Petplan Equine is part of Allianz Insurance, one of the largest general insurers in the world.

For more information about a Petplan Equine horse insurance policy, please visit:
petplanequine.co.uk/insurance/quote.asp

Note to editors:

• Petplan Equine was founded in 1988
• It is part of Allianz Animal Health, the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world and part of Allianz – one of the largest general insurers in the UK
• In addition to horse and pony insurance options, Petplan Equine provides dedicated products for veteran horses and rider only insurance cover
• It is the sister brand of Petplan, the largest provider of small animal insurance in the UK
• Petplan Equine believes in supporting the equine community and provides more financial support to equestrian sports and activities than any equine insurance provider in the UK
• The Pet Plan Charitable Trust was founded in 1994 to raise much needed funds for animal welfare and veterinary projects. Money is raised by Petplan and Petplan Equine customers giving an optional £1.50 to the Trust when they take out or renew their policy. To date, almost £5 million has been awarded by the Trust
• Petplan and Petplan Equine are specialist insurers. As such, the company employs more horse riders and owners than any other and more former veterinary practice staff than any other to ensure the provision of specialist knowledge
• Petplan Equine is the only insurer to offer illness and accident cover for older horses, up to the age of 25 as long as the policy is taken before your horse reaches the age of 20.