As Bonfire Night approaches, our team of experienced animal welfare specialists at Ferne Animal Sanctuary are sharing advice to keep your pet calm and safe ahead of the bright lights and big bangs that the 5th of November brings!
Fireworks can create anxiety for animals of all shapes and sizes. This weekend, pet owners can follow our eight steps to prepare for sudden, loud noises and bright, unpredictable flashes, which cause many animals to exhibit frightened and stressed behaviours.
Check out our top tips from our Animal Welfare Expert, Nikki Haddock, to keep pets happy and healthy when fireworks are filling the sky!
Animal Welfare Expert, Nikki Haddock, and Fly.
1. Create a calm environment
Fireworks are not just noisy; the sudden, unpredictable flashes of light can be equally distressing. For indoor pets, close curtains and keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure to bright flashes and reduce the volume of the sound. If you have animals in outdoor hutches, try moving them into a quieter, windowless space like a garage or utility room or cover hutches with a heavy blanket. For animals that stay in stables or barns, close hatches, and barn doors to block out both light and sound as much as possible.
2. Comfort and reassurance
Pets find comfort in their owners’ presence. If possible, stay in the same room with indoor pets to provide them with security and affection. If you have animals outside, make a point to check on them regularly, especially after periods of heavy firework displays. Your presence can be incredibly soothing, particularly for pets that find comfort in interaction. While comfort is key, try not to coddle or fuss them too much, as this can reinforce anxious behaviours. Instead, model calm behaviour, as pets often notice your cues.
3. Cosy corners
Creating a cosy, familiar environment can help to calm animals. For dogs and cats, create a snug, secure bed or den where they feel protected – try crafting a comfortable ‘safe zone’ in a cosy corner of the house where sound and light are at a minimum – for crate-trained dogs, this is the ideal space to keep your canine calm by offering a safe, enclosed space (top tip: cover the crate with a blanket to maximise comfort and security). Smaller animals like hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs may feel more at ease with extra bedding that they can burrow into, creating a safe, comfortable space to retreat.
Wenna with cosy toys.
4. Distractions to shift focus
Distractions can be highly effective for easing pets’ stress. For food motivated pets, provide favourite snacks, treats or extra hay for them to nibble on during peak firework times. Pets who enjoy being petted or groomed may respond well to a bit of extra affection to keep their attention away from the chaos outside. Use of enrichment toys like a snuffle mat, treat-dispensing toys, long-lasting chews, or puzzle games are a wonderful way to keep your pet distracted from what is going on outdoors. For cats specifically, catnip can be used to relax your cat and reduce nervousness, anxiousness, and restlessness.
5. Play soothing music
The right background noise can help mask unsettling firework sounds. Many national radio stations now offer pet-friendly classical music during the firework season. Alternatively, any calm, rhythmic music or a low-volume talk show can be a good option – pick something continuous and calming to help drown out loud bangs and pops.
6. Ensure outdoor animals are safe and secure
For animals that cannot be brought inside, make sure their enclosures are secure and free from obstacles that could cause harm if they become startled. They should have enough space to move safely if they feel the need to escape the noise.
7. Stay informed with local events
Knowing when and where firework displays are happening nearby will help you prepare accordingly. One or two local fireworks can be much less stressful for pets than major events with extended displays, so planning around them can make an enormous difference. If you know there is a firework display planned that evening, give your pet plenty of exercise earlier in the day so they are less energetic and more relaxed when the fireworks arrive in the evening.
8. Trust your instincts and pet
You know your pet best! Whether you have had them for a few months or many years, you should be familiar with their triggers and behaviors. Use that knowledge to anticipate how they will react and create a tailored plan for their comfort. Thinking ahead and being attentive to your pet’s unique needs will make Bonfire Night more bearable for them.
The best way to support your pets through Bonfire Night is by being prepared and close by. These simple steps can go a long way in helping them feel safe and secure by reducing access to bright lights and loud sounds, whilst creating a calm, comfortable environment with lots of positive distractions. By staying attuned to your pet’s needs, you can make a significant difference in reducing their stress.
For more animal care tips and support, check out more of our blogs from Ferne Animal Sanctuary experts! To help Ferne Animal Sanctuary keep its animals safe and warm over the Winter months, please donate here: www.ferneanimalsanctuary.org/support-us