Bonfire night is nearly here, and fireworks are already lighting up the sky all over the UK. However, while fun for us, a night of bonfires, sparklers and fireworks can be extremely stressful for our furry friends. So, if you have pets and are wondering how to keep them safe this year, here are a few tips.
Dogs and cats
Both dogs and cats can get anxious around fireworks, but here are a few things you can do to reduce the stress:
- Walk dogs early to avoid taking them outside during the displays
- Bring cats and dogs indoors and don’t leave them on their own
- Ensure they are microchipped and wearing a collar as they will be easily identifiable if they get spooked and escape
- Close the windows and curtains to muffle the noise
- Turn on the TV or radio to distract from the fireworks
- Make sure animals have comfy, quiet places to hide and where they feel safe
- Give them space and don’t get frustrated with anxious behaviours as it will make the stress worse
Small animals
If you have rabbits, guinea pigs or other small animals outside in the garden, here are a few things you can do to look after them this bonfire night:
- If possible bring the hutch or cage indoors or at least into a garage or something similar.
- Ensure they have plenty of bedding to hide and burrow in
- Cover the cage with thick blankets or similar to help muffle the noise and dim the bright lights
If you don’t have pets but know that your neighbours do, spare a thought for their animals and let them know in advance if and when you intend to set off some fireworks so they can ensure they are well looked after.