Bonfire Night: Keeping All Our Pets Safe and Happy
, by Michelle Ingram
Bonfire Night can be an exciting time for us, but for our pets, the loud bangs, bright flashes and unfamiliar noises can be frightening. Whether you share your home with dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs or other small animals, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Our Bonfire Night pet safety guide is here to help you keep all your furry family members comfortable, secure and as relaxed as possible during fireworks season.
Dogs – Helping Your Dog Through Fireworks
Some dogs take fireworks completely in their stride, while others find the noise and flashes really unsettling.
Here are a few ways to help your dog feel safer:
- Walk before dark: Try to fit in your dog's usual walk earlier in the day, before fireworks are likely to start.
- Keep them indoors: Keep dogs inside when fireworks are expected and make sure doors and windows are securely closed.
- Close curtains and blinds: This helps reduce the flashes of light and can make the room feel more comfortable.
- Create a safe space: Provide a familiar, cosy spot where your dog can retreat if they feel worried. Their favourite bed or blanket can help.
- Mask the noise: Put the television or radio on at a comfortable volume to help disguise some of the sounds.
- Offer reassurance: Let your dog settle wherever they feel safest. Don't force them to come out of hiding or tell them off for being frightened.
- Check their microchip: Make sure your dog's microchip details are up to date, including your current contact information, just in case they manage to get out.
Cats – Keeping Curious Cats Safe
Cats can be particularly unpredictable when frightened. Even those who usually enjoy exploring outdoors may prefer to find somewhere safe to hide when fireworks begin.
A few simple precautions can help:
- Keep them indoors: If possible, encourage your cat to come inside before dark and keep them in during fireworks.
- Provide hiding places: Make sure they have access to familiar, quiet places where they can retreat and feel secure.
- Secure cat flaps: Consider locking cat flaps to prevent them from going outside during fireworks.
- Keep essentials accessible: Make sure food, fresh water and litter trays are easy to reach.
- Let them hide: If your cat chooses to hide, leave them alone and allow them to come out when they're ready.
- Check sheds and garages: Always check before closing sheds, garages or outbuildings, as cats sometimes find unexpected places to shelter.
- Check their microchip: Make sure your cat's microchip details are up to date, including your current contact information.
Outdoor Pets – Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Other Small Animals
It's easy to concentrate on dogs and cats during fireworks season, but smaller pets can be just as sensitive to loud noises and sudden flashes.
If your rabbits, guinea pigs or other small animals live outdoors, don't forget to make a few preparations for them too.
- Consider moving them indoors: If possible, move hutches and enclosures into a quiet shed, garage or suitable indoor space where they can be protected from the worst of the noise.
- Provide extra bedding: Make sure they have plenty of familiar bedding to snuggle into and somewhere to hide.
- Reduce flashes and noise: If they have to remain outside, partially cover their hutch with a suitable blanket to help reduce flashes and noise. Always leave plenty of ventilation.
- Check their surroundings: Make sure hutches and enclosures are secure and protected from the weather.
- Keep bonded pets together: Familiar companions can provide comfort, so avoid separating bonded animals.
- Check on them regularly: Keep an eye on your pets throughout the evening to make sure they're comfortable and safe.
Remember, never completely cover an enclosure or place animals somewhere without adequate ventilation.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Every pet is different. Some won't bat an eyelid at fireworks, while others may find the experience incredibly frightening.
The most important thing is to plan ahead, provide a safe and comfortable environment and let your pets settle in their own time.
If your pet experiences severe fireworks anxiety, speak to your vet for advice well before fireworks season.