Bonfire Night and Animals

katietrinder
Oct 28, 2024
3 min read

Whilst Bonfire night can be fun, if you've got a pet that's scared of fireworks, it is anything but, bonfire night and animals are not a great mix.

One of our dogs Mabel, is absolutely terrified of fireworks, we think it stems from the fact that she was a stray in the November before my dad found her wandering the streets and she eventually moved in with me and Lucy.

Over the years, she has got better, although we still never leave her when we know fireworks are likely to be going off a lot. Initially Mabel would be so terrified it would basically trigger the dog version of IBS (nice) As well as not leaving her alone, or if we do have to go out leaving the radio on, Mabel likes to be dressed up, it stems from when we first got her and she was completely bald on her back, we would put her in a coat when we went for a walk and I think she now associates it with being safe and loved. In the first couple of pictures below, you can see how poorly her eye was, her back was just the same and in the second, that's Mabel wearing the red coat we got her to keep her warm on walks.

Mabel now has quite the array of t-shirts and bandanas, she's our little supermodel.

If you have a pet that struggles, here's my tips to keeping animals safe and calm.

1. Indoor Shelter for Pets

Create a Safe Space: Provide a cozy, secure area where your pets can retreat to if they feel scared. This could be a quiet room, a crate with blankets, or a place they feel comfortable.
Close Windows and Curtains: Drown out the noise and flashes of fireworks by keeping windows shut and curtains drawn. This reduces the sensory impact on pets.
Background Noise: Play calming music or have the TV on to mask the sound of fireworks. Classical music or specially designed pet relaxation tracks can help.

2. Behavioral Support

Stay Calm: Pets pick up on human emotions, so try to remain calm and relaxed. If they see you aren't worried, they may feel more at ease.
Provide Reassurance: Comfort your pet if they are anxious, but avoid excessive fussing as it can reinforce nervous behavior.
Desensitization: In the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, you can play firework sounds at a low volume to help your pets become accustomed to the noise, gradually increasing the volume over time.

3. Medication or Calming Products

Vet-Recommended Options: Speak to your vet if your pet suffers from severe anxiety. They may recommend anti-anxiety medication or pheromone diffusers like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats.
Natural Calming Aids: Products like calming supplements, sprays, or even pressure wraps like the Thundershirt can help some pets feel more secure.

4. Keep Pets Indoors

Before Dusk: Ensure all pets, especially cats and dogs, are safely indoors well before fireworks begin. Walk dogs earlier in the day, so they don’t need to go out during peak firework times.
Check Microchips and ID Tags: In case they do get scared and run away, ensure their microchip details and ID tags are up to date.

5. Small Animals (Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.)

Move Hutches Indoors: If possible, bring outdoor hutches into a garage or shed to muffle the sound of fireworks.
Cover Hutches: If you can't bring them inside, cover the hutch with thick blankets (leaving some ventilation) to minimize the noise and light from fireworks.
Extra Bedding: Provide extra bedding so they can burrow and feel more secure.

6. Horses and Livestock

Familiar Environment: Ensure they stay in familiar surroundings, as changing locations can increase their stress.
Check Fences and Enclosures: Before the night, check that fencing and gates are secure to prevent escape if they become frightened.
Companionship: Animals feel calmer when they are not alone, so keeping them with their companions can help reduce anxiety.

7. Wildlife Awareness

Bonfire Checks: Before lighting any bonfire, check for hedgehogs or other small animals that might be sheltering inside. Build bonfires right before lighting to avoid them becoming a refuge for wildlife.
Firework Debris: Clean up firework debris after the event, as it can pose risks to wildlife if ingested or caught in litter.

8. Consider Firework-Free Alternatives

If possible, attend organized, silent, or low-noise firework displays or encourage local events to use less disruptive fireworks or laser shows to minimize stress for animals.

By preparing ahead and taking these precautions, you can ensure that both pets and wildlife remain safe and calm on Bonfire Night.