We know your incredible animals are super important to you… and they’re ‘im-paw-tant’ to us, too!

To help you all this fireworks season, our Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Nicola, would love to share our advice and tips, to help you keep them as safe and comfortable as possible.

Whether you share life with a dog, cat, guinea pig, horse, donkey, goat, sheep or any other companion or field animal, it is important to consider the effects that fireworks can have on their wellbeing and safety.

As we approach the main event of the season - Bonfire Night - here are some things to consider over the coming days.

If you are one of our amazing rehomers, or you have rehomed from another rescue organisation, quite often your beloved animal’s history will be unknown. So, if it is your first fireworks season with your pet, it is best to err on the side of caution and be prepared.

If you have very recently rehomed or fostered your furry friend, it is even more likely that they will feel unsettled by fireworks and, so, putting these measures in place will help them to feel safer with you and help them form a more secure bond.

 

      

 

Before an event:

1. Keep a check on local plans for displays. Tell neighbours if your pet is fearful of fireworks, so they can keep you updated and / or keep their plans for fireworks low key. If you have field animals, including horses, neighbours should be informed that there are animals nearby. 

2. If you know your animal doesn’t like sudden, loud noises, then speak to your vet now, as they may be able to prescribe temporary medication to help get them through an event.

3. If you’re not sure whether your animal is likely to be worried, or you are new to each other, you could look into some over-the-counter calming treatments from a reputable manufacturer or pet store, which could help take the edge off any anxiety (although these are not a substitute for speaking to your vet). For dogs, cats and horses, there are ‘appeasing pheromones’ available. Otherwise, there are other calming scents that could help. Some food supplements could also be beneficial. Trusted supplements may include ingredients such as Tryptophan, Theanine, caseins and GABA, which some research suggests could be helpful for many species. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and tell your vet if your pet is also prescribed other medications. Have these available now, as most need to be administered at least half an hour before the expected event - so it is useful to administer them just before dusk. 

4. Your animal will cope best in a familiar environment, with familiar companions, and without too many alterations. If your pet is new to you, provide them with places they can choose to take themselves to hide, if they feel like it. For dogs, this could be a covered but open crate, in a quiet corner of a room. For cats, provide various ‘hidey holes,’ with some available higher up. For horses or other field animals, make sure they have a safe space to move around in, with no hazards, and secure fencing – preferably with a sheltered area they can choose to hide in.  Some may need to be shut in securely, if this is what they’re used to. 

5. For dogs, cats and other animals in the home, make sure they are securely and safely shut indoors before dusk. For dogs, this may mean giving them some exercise and toileting time beforehand, as they may not get out again for several hours. Cats and other indoor animals may need litter trays in quiet / sheltered areas, where they feel safe.

6. For indoor animals, once they are inside, you can help to minimise the sound and visual effect of fireworks by drawing all the blinds or curtains, turning lights on and turning up the television or radio in each room your pet has access to. For field animals that need to be securely shut in a shelter or stable (especially if this is part of their routine), get them used to having a radio on in the days leading up to an expected event, and even pair this with something yummy and relaxing, such as a suitable lick, treat ball or some other food. 

During an event:

1. If it is likely that fireworks will be set off near to you or your animal, stay with them or make sure someone they know and trust is able to stay with them. If you need to leave your pet in someone else’s care, leave clear instructions for them and contact details for your vet, as well as for yourself.

2. Try to keep calm and positive. Dogs, cats and horses are known to sense unease in their human caregivers and it is likely most other animals can too. Be reassuring, but allow your pet to hide if that is what they prefer to do. 

3. During an event, a frightened or stressed animal may act differently to how they  normally would, so it is important not to overhandle them and be aware of stress behaviours for this reason. Keep yourself safe.

 

      

 

Remember, fireworks are not just on or around Bonfire Night, but will also occur on New Year’s Eve, Diwali (this year on 1st November) and Chinese New Year (next on 29th January 2025). 

The best way to help your pet or field animal if you know they are anxious, or it becomes apparent that they are anxious or fearful of fireworks, is to talk to your vet or speak to an *ABTC registered clinical animal behaviourist well in advance of fireworks season, as a therapeutic plan often works best if started 3 months or more prior to an event.

*The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is a Defra approved voluntary regulatory organisation setting minimum standards for the animal behaviour and training industry. www.abtc.org.uk