Pets and Fireworks

Bonfire Night is just around the corner, and whilst most of us enjoy a firework display, our pets are often not so keen. We receive lots of enquiries from anxious owners about how best they can help their pets during firework season, so thought it might be useful to share our ‘top tips.’

Providing your pet with constant access to a secure refuge can be helpful. If your dog is crate trained, cover the crate and provide plenty of soft bedding. Consider adding an item of clothing that carries your scent, especially if your dog is home alone. Mildly anxious dogs might appreciate a Kong filled with treats or liver paste, as licking can be a soothing activity.

Some cats will seek confined dark places under beds and behind sofas. If they retreat when fireworks start, try not to coax them out to comfort them. Allow them to stay put until they choose to come out when the display is over.

Disguise the sights and sounds of fireworks by shutting the curtains and leaving the radio or TV on with the sound turned up. Classic FM usually put together a soothing playlist for pets on Bonfire Night, and there are plenty of other pet friendly soundtracks available online.

Your pet will pick up on your behaviour too, so try and remain calm and cheerful, and avoid reinforcing anxious behaviour. If your pet is comforted sitting on or near you, this is fine but try not to make too much fuss of them when they are scared. Wait until they are relaxed and happy and then give them plenty of praise.

There are a variety of calming supplements and pheromones available which may also benefit your pet, and for pets that are severely anxious, medication can be used with good effect for the short periods around Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. Supplements may be available at pet shops or online. Medications would only be dispensed following a consultation with one of our vets.

There is also lots of useful information about Pets and Fireworks available online

https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/dog-care-advice/dogs-and-fireworks

https://www.apbc.org.uk/resource-types/vet-resources/how-to-prepare-your-cat-for-fireworks

If you would like further advice about helping your pet cope with fireworks, please feel free to contact us and we will be very happy to help.