Preparing Your Pets for Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night can be great fun for us, but for many pets, the loud bangs, flashes and unfamiliar smells can be frightening.
Fireworks can be particularly stressful for dogs, cats and smaller pets, who may not understand where the sudden noises are coming from. With a little preparation, however, you can make Bonfire Night much easier for your pet.
Here are some simple ways to help your pet feel safe and settled.
Start Preparing Before Bonfire Night
Don't wait until the first fireworks go off to think about your pet's anxiety.
If your pet is nervous around loud noises, start preparing a few days or even weeks beforehand. Create a comfortable area where they can retreat when they feel worried.
This could be:
- Their usual bed or crate
- A quiet room away from windows
- A blanket-covered area or den
- Somewhere they already associate with feeling safe
Let your pet choose whether they want to use this space. Avoid forcing them into it.
Create a Calm Environment
On the evening itself, keeping your home as calm as possible can help reduce the impact of the fireworks.
Try to:
Close curtains and blinds to reduce the flashes from fireworks.
Keep windows and doors closed to reduce the noise and prevent frightened pets from escaping.
Put on the TV, radio or some music to help mask sudden bangs.
Keep the lights on if your pet is particularly sensitive to flashes.
If your pet wants to hide, let them. Hiding is a natural way for animals to cope with something frightening.
Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise Earlier in the Day
If you have a dog, try to give them their main walk before fireworks are expected to start.
A longer walk, play session or some mental stimulation earlier in the day can help them settle in the evening.
Once fireworks are likely to begin, keep your dog indoors and avoid unnecessary trips outside.
If you do need to take them outside, keep them on a lead, even if they normally have excellent recall. A sudden bang can cause even a normally confident dog to panic and run.
Make sure their microchip details and contact information are up to date too.
Don't Forget Your Cat
Cats can be particularly difficult to predict when they're frightened.
If your cat normally goes outside, consider keeping them indoors before fireworks are due to start.
Provide plenty of hiding places around the house, such as cardboard boxes, covered beds or their usual favourite spots.
Don't try to drag your cat out of hiding to comfort them. Instead, let them come to you when they're ready.
What About Smaller Pets?
Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals can also be affected by fireworks.
If your small pets normally live outdoors, consider whether they can be temporarily moved somewhere quieter and more sheltered.
For outdoor hutches and enclosures:
- Add extra bedding so they can burrow and hide.
- Cover part of the enclosure to block out flashes, while maintaining good ventilation.
- Make sure the enclosure is secure.
- Consider bringing them indoors if it is safe and practical to do so.
Never completely cover an enclosure with blankets or other materials that could restrict airflow.
Stay Calm Yourself
Your pet may look to you for reassurance when they're frightened.
Try to behave normally and remain calm. You can offer affection if your pet seeks it, but don't force interaction.
It's also okay to distract them with something they enjoy.
For dogs, this could be:
- A favourite toy
- A food puzzle
- Training games
- A long-lasting chew
For cats, their favourite toy or some gentle play may help.
If your pet isn't interested, don't push them. A frightened animal may simply want to hide.
Consider Firework Desensitisation
If your pet becomes very anxious around fireworks, you can start working on desensitisation well before Bonfire Night.
This involves playing recordings of fireworks at a very low volume while your pet is relaxed, gradually increasing the volume over time.
The key is gradual exposure. If your pet becomes frightened, the volume is too high or you're progressing too quickly.
This isn't something to start for the first time on Bonfire Night itself. If your pet has severe anxiety, speak to your vet about getting professional advice and planning ahead.
Speak to Your Vet About Severe Anxiety
Some pets experience significant fear and anxiety during fireworks.
Signs can include:
- Trembling or shaking
- Panting
- Pacing
- Excessive barking or vocalisation
- Hiding
- Trying to escape
- Toileting indoors
- Destructive behaviour
- Refusing food
- Drooling
If your pet becomes extremely distressed, speak to your vet before Bonfire Night.
Your vet can discuss appropriate options for your individual pet. Never give your pet medication intended for humans or medication prescribed for another animal.
Keep Your Pet Safe
Fear can cause animals to behave very differently from normal.
Before the evening begins, check that:
- Your pet's microchip information is up to date.
- Doors, windows and garden gates are secure.
- Your dog has a properly fitted collar and ID tag.
- Your pet has somewhere safe to hide.
- Any outdoor enclosures are secure.
- You know where your pet's usual emergency veterinary contact details are.
Taking these precautions can make a big difference if your pet panics.
Don't Take Your Dog to a Firework Display
Even if your dog normally enjoys going everywhere with you, a firework display is not a suitable environment for most dogs.
The combination of extremely loud noises, crowds, bright flashes and unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming.
Leaving your dog safely at home, in a secure and comfortable environment, is usually the better option.
Remember: Every Pet Is Different
Some pets barely react to fireworks, while others can become extremely frightened.
Try not to compare your pet's reaction with another animal's. If your pet is scared, their fear is real to them.
The most important things you can provide are preparation, security, patience and reassurance.
With a little planning, you can help make Bonfire Night a much less stressful experience for your four-legged family members.