Bonfire Night can be a wonderful seasonal celebration – but with so many firework displays happening across Manchester, they can leave your pets feeling highly distressed. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to help calm their nerves.
While the fizzes, pops and bangs of fireworks might be a sensory wonder for us, they can be an overload for your furry companions. They can lead to your pet freezing in fear, shaking, whining, hiding or potentially even trying to bolt and escape. For pet parents, this can be very upsetting, but by understanding how to support them before, during and after fireworks, you can help to minimise the impact on them.
In the run-up to Bonfire Night
If you already know that your dog or cat is afraid of loud noises, or they’ve exhibited a fear of fireworks in the past, make an appointment with your vet before firework season starts. Your vet will be able to assess your pet to see if there are any medical conditions contributing to their fear, as well as providing additional options, such as medication or referrals to behaviourists, if required.
For puppies, it’s a good idea to prepare them for firework season by introducing them to loud noises in a safe and positive environment. Play them recordings of fireworks while giving them positive reinforcement. Just be sure to keep an eye out for signs of fear – such as vocalising, hiding, pacing or jumping. If they appear scared, stop playing the noises and consult your vet.
Create a dedicated space where they can feel safe in the home, as this can provide some reassurance to them if they become scared during fireworks. A covered area, such as inside a crate or under a table, can work well. Make it comfortable for them with cushions and blankets, and help them to associate the space with positive experiences by giving them tasty treats and toys there. Ensure they have access to this space at all times.
On the day of Bonfire Night, check all windows, doors and fences in your house and garden are secure, as a scared pet could try to escape. Also close the windows and curtains in anticipation of when you expect the fireworks to start, and put a cover over their safe space. This will help minimise the noise and stop them seeing any flashes of light.
Avoid going out with them after dark. Walk dogs during the daylight so they’re not out when fireworks start going off, and make sure any kitties are locked safely indoors.
When the fireworks start
As tempting as it can be to go out to local Bonfire Night celebrations, those with a frightened kitty or pooch should stay with them on the night. Even if they choose to hide away, they will be comforted knowing that someone they trust is with them. Allow them the space to be by themselves if they prefer, but be ready to give them lots of reassurance with pets and words of comfort if need be.
Have plenty of nice distractions ready for them, whether that’s their favourite toys, fun challenges that demand their attention (such as Kongs and lick mats), or tasty treats that can help them relax, like Pooch & Mutt’s calming range.
Put on calming music or videos to help drown out the sound of the fireworks. The RSPCA advises putting on Classic FM’s Pet Classics, which runs throughout Bonfire Night to help calm their nerves. You can also find Calming Music for Dogs Playlists on various music apps – Pooch & Mutt even have their own Perfect Playlist for Relaxed Pooches on Spotify.
You may also want to consider using pheromone diffusers, which disperse chemicals into the room to help both dogs and cats feel calmer. You can speak to your vets about whether these are right for you. If your pet has been prescribed medication by your vet for their fear of fireworks, make sure they have taken these before the fireworks start.
Don’t react to the fireworks. Stay relaxed and keep yourself distracted too. And remember to be patient with your pet. When they’re scared, they may end up messing inside. Avoid telling them off for this, as this will only add to their anxiety.
After Bonfire Night
Credit: Milo Chandler
Bonfire Night isn’t the only time in the year when fireworks are likely. Take note of what helped your pet to settle down so you can support them throughout the firework season.
If you know your dog or cat has anxiety around fireworks, make sure you consult your vet. They can help you figure out what your pet needs so the season doesn’t have to be so scary.
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