Five top tips for caring for your pet this Bonfire Night
3rd November 2021
Five top tips for caring for your pet this Bonfire Night
It goes without saying that the autumn months are some of the busiest for British families – with Halloween, Guy Fawkes Night and the social occasions leading up to Christmas. But as we all wrap up warm and enjoy a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate, spare a thought for the 51 million pets1 living in homes around the country. With loud bangs, unwelcome guests and other unfamiliar scenarios to contend with, the next few months can be very stressful for our four-legged friends.
In fact, a recent RSPCA poll suggested that 18% more people will be hosting private events this Bonfire Night. This increase in ‘DIY firework displays’ is especially worrying when considering that our much-loved pets get distressed by these events – with 54% of cats and 62% of dogs becoming upset due to the loud noise caused by the commotion2.
To help support owners during this difficult time, here’s five top tips on how you can best care for your pets this Bonfire Night.
Set off earlier
Whilst your usual routine might see you taking the dog around the block for its nightly walk after the dark has set in, we would recommend making an exception for this one evening and setting off a little earlier. Walking your dog before the sun goes down – and before any bonfires are set alight – will minimise any additional stress for your pet.
Keep curtains closed
Do your best to block out any background noise or flashing lights by closing all curtains and windows. This will help keep visibility to a minimum and will stop your pet from panicking if there is a sudden noise or flashes in the sky.
Keep them company
If possible, stay home with your pet. Keep close and comfort them if they do happen to become alarmed. Leave the radio on or the TV playing in the background – something familiar that will put them at ease. Try playing soothing classical music to keep them calm, a wide choice can be found on youtube or click on the link below for calming pet sounds on Classic FM.
Keep them inside
If your pets are usually kept outside, in a hutch or pen, perhaps consider bringing them inside for the few hours that firework displays usually go on for.
Keep them safe
Spooked pets can run away, especially cats, so make sure they’re properly microchipped to make them easily identifiable if they do. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure your contact details are up to date so you can be contacted straight away.
For more information on how to keep your pets calm and safe, click on the links below:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/get-involved/our-campaigns/fireworks-leaflet/your-free-fireworks-guide
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-care/fireworks
1 RSPCA, 2021, Facts & figures
2 RSPCA, 2021, Fireworks Campaign.
