It is that time of year again when, for months leading up to Bonfire Night, the UK starts to rumble with bangs and flashes. This tradition is entertaining to us, but frightening to our animals. Pets (dogs, cats and small animals) hear way better than us. For them, loud noises are magnified and can be extremely stressful. This can cause them to be anxious, restless and lead to them seeking out hidden spaces. There are lots of inexpensive things you can buy to help your pet. Most of these things you may already have in your home. You can go to your local pet shop to find these aids.
Why fireworks upset animals so much
Your pet can’t understand where the loud noises are coming from or why they are happening. Fireworks are unpredictable and can bring on a strong stress response. Look for signs such as heavy panting or breathing, pacing, drooling, trembling, barking, freezing, thumping or disappearing. Birds may even start to make noise or become distressed. The most important thing is to notice the signs early so you can help your pet and avoid them becoming severely distressed.
Create a safe space before the noise starts
The most effective step is to give your pet a spot where they can pull back. For dogs this may be a covered crate or a quiet corner of a room with their favourite bed, a blanket that has the family scent, and a few favourite toys. For cats this may be a cardboard box with a cover or a cat bed in a quiet spot. Let your pet decide the spot and do not push them from this space. Give your pet a week or 2 to become accustomed to this space before you need to use it, it may help your pet feel more at ease about this space if it is always around.
Use sound and scent to soften the bangs
You can also try closing curtains and windows to block both flash and noise. You can try masking bangs with the TV or radio. If bangs don’t happen at regular intervals, music designed to calm pets may also help. So might the use of pheromone plugs, designed to mimic the natural calming scents produced by animals. These work best if used for a few days prior to the event. If none of these help, you could try calming supplements or chews (check ingredient lists and speak to your vet about your pet’s health conditions to make sure these are OK). Some owners say these help in the run up to fireworks.
Keep walks and routines sensible
Walk your dog during the day and make sure they have been to the toilet before the fireworks begin. Walking during this time carries the risk of a loud bang causing your dog to run away. Keep your dog on a secure lead during this time and make sure their tag and collar fit correctly. You should also make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date, just in case. Cats should be kept indoors with a litter tray. You should also take extra precaution for small animals that are normally left outside.
Looking after small animals and outdoor pets
Fireworks are very noisy, and the booming and crackling can be even more stressful to rabbits and other small outdoor pets that live in hutches. If it is safe to do so, bring the hutch into a garage or a quiet shed or outbuilding. If you need to leave the hutch outside, cover part of the front opening with a thick blanket to muffle the sound and leave plenty of ventilation. Give them fresh bedding to bury themselves in, and give them some hay to help them pass the time. Provide them with plenty of food and water before the fireworks start, so they don’t need to be bothered during the show.
Stay calm yourself
Our pets pick up on our emotions and, if we appear worried, they may get concerned as well. Try to keep your emotions in check. Behave as normally as you can and try to speak in a relaxed voice. Petting your pet is okay, but don’t make a big deal out of it. Other ways to distract your pet would be to use a puzzle feeder or a chew toy. If your pet really struggles every year, talk to your vet as there may be things your vet can do to help you out before next autumn, and your vet may have other options that you haven’t tried yet.
A calmer November for everyone
Fireworks season doesn’t need to be a stressful time for your pets. Most animals can cope much better than you think, especially with a calming aid, sensible walking routines, a cosy retreat, and a calm approach from you. Also, it’s much better to prepare a few days before the fireworks start, rather than the day before, as this means you will have time to stock up on calming aids. A little forethought from you means your pets feel secure and settled during the firework festivities.
