Fireworks can be scary for our pets, so on bonfire night (or Guy Fawkes) it's important to consider your animal's comfort and make them feel as safe as possible. Some dogs and cats don't mind the whizzes and bangs at all, while others disappear and take weeks to get over the stress, even with a dog-calming plug in to try to keep them chilled.
Sure it's fun for us, with Bonfire night food to enjoy while we watch the bright colourful fireworks flashing in the sky, but not so fun for our animals. However, there are some things you can do to lessen the shock for your pets...
Why do pets get scared of fireworks?
Loud bangs caused by firework displays can cause increased levels of stress for dogs and cats, as they have more sensitive hearing than humans. When pets are scared, their fight or flight response is activated but because they are stuck in the house, there is nowhere to hide from the loud sounds.
Six ways to prepare your pet for Bonfire night
1 Desensitise your pet to loud noises
To help desensitise your dog or cat to loud bangs, watch action movies the week before Bonfire Night. Pick ones with loud music, explosions, and car crashes, but keep the volume relatively low at first. Then slowly build up as the week goes on as this will help get your pet more used to loud noises.
2 Alter your dog’s walkies to avoid firework displays
If you normally take your dog out for a walk around the same time that firework displays are likely to be happening in your local area, you will need to gradually change the time of their afternoon walk. Walk your dog during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
3 Prepare your home
Planning ahead can help dogs cope with the fireworks season. Before the fireworks season starts, provide your dog with a doggy safe haven. This should be a quiet area, so choose one of the quietest rooms in your home - a place where they feel in control.
With time, dogs can learn that this place is safe and enjoyable. When fireworks go off, they may choose to go there because they know, in that place, they are safe. It's important that your dog has access to this doggy safe haven at all times - even when you're not at home.
You should also make sure that your other pets, such as cats, have plenty of places to hide, like under the bed or behind the sofa.
As some pets will enter fight-or-flight mode once they hear the fireworks, they may become destructive in your home (without meaning to). So, keep in mind what they can reach and try to move any dangerous or fragile items.
4 Close curtains and windows
Simple steps like closing windows and curtains can help your house seem safer to your pet, so start doing this a week before Bonfire Night. This also gives your pet enough time to get into your new routine. It’s also important to ignore the fireworks yourself, and act as normal as possible as this helps subconsciously calm your pet.
5 Distract your pet
Once the night rolls around, make a special effort to keep them distracted. You can do this with the four T’s – tricks, toys, treats and touch. Having the radio on can also help to keep your pet calm, some radio stations even play calming classical music especially for pets on Bonfire night.
6 Buy an anti-anxiety blanket or dog bed
Dogs are known to find comfort in the gentle pressure of a wrap, much like a crying baby who is soothed by a blanket. However, if you do buy them a blanket or anti-anxiety dog bed, make sure to put it on them before the firework displays, as they may be too scared to let you grab them once the loud bangs start. Pet-calming plug ins or pheromone diffusers can also work, however if your pet gets really anxious, it may be worth talking to your vet t see if they can prescribe any medication.