Did you know that it’s not just dogs that have a scared reaction to fireworks? Cats and other small pets can also be alarmed when they hear the loud noises or see the bright flashes of the local bonfire night display on 5th November or during a New Year’s eve celebration at the end of the year.
Our poor pets can’t understand where the sounds are coming from and can shake, whimper, vomit or urinate in fear. It can even lead to more serious health conditions that require veterinary treatment so it’s essential to do all you can to keep them safe and supported.
I’ve seen cats run away to hide in a safe corner or under the bed, and won’t be coaxed out until they feel the environment is safe and quiet again. And I’ve seen dogs howling with terror until the fireworks stop banging.
The RSPCA provides plenty of advice on the welfare of pets during fireworks season, with specific tips for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals, including keeping all pets indoors, even if they would usually live in a hutch, kennel or a run outside.
So, I thought we should go through some essential actions you can do to help your pets feel comfortable and calm over Guy Fawkes Night and New Year…
- It probably goes without saying that you should never take dogs (or any pets) with you to a fireworks display. Stay at home with your pets so that you can understand how they are feeling, react to their needs and reassure them.
- Close all the windows, doors and cat flaps to ensure they can’t run outside where they will be closer to those terrifying bangs.
- Close blinds and curtains to block out bright flashes and to muffle loud sounds.
- Provide a secure hiding space for animals to retreat to – think blankets and pet beds in a cosy corner and extra bedding for rabbits to burrow into. Cats love to hide under beds, in boxes, in your wardrobe or sometimes high up.
- Use a calming diffuser or pheromone spray – I know they don’t really smell like anything to us but they really do work – I saw my own cat feel calm and safe in a stressful situation just by using a pheromone diffuser.
- Stay calm and let your pet see you nearby, but don’t force an interaction as they may feel stressed and react negatively to you.
- Offer your pet some treats for their good behaviour and feed them their favourite meal afterwards, you’ll know what the best dog food or cat food is for your own animal and it’ll help to distract them.
- Never shout at your animals or punish them for their behaviour – just let them do what they need to so, even if it’s yowling or whimpering or running around.
- You can play with a toy to distract them and and see if they wish to join in, but its fine if they just want to hide away.
- Did you know there is a special Pet Classics radio show on Classic FM when firework season is at its peak? Playing any kind of calming music can help to disguise firework sounds and minimise disturbances for your pet.
I think the most important take-away from this list is to just stay calm yourself, even if you’re worried about your pet. Simply allow them to do whatever they need to do to feel safe and make sure you’re on-hand for anything they need, whether that’s cuddling up with you, playing some music or providing a gentle distraction.
I hope these ideas will help your dog, cat and small animals to feel calm and supported even when they’re alarmed by the loud noises and bright lights of a firework’s display, whether that’s on Guy Fawkes night next week or at the end of the year on 31st December.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions that has worked for your own pet. I’d love hear your hacks for a creating a calm Bonfire Night or New Year’s eve for your beloved animals.
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