Don’t Let Fireworks Terrify Your Pets This Bonfire Night

With Bonfire Night just days away, pet owners are being urged to take extra care to keep their animals calm and protected during fireworks season. Loud bangs, bright flashes, and unexpected noises can easily overwhelm pets, leading to anxiety and stress-related behaviour.

Ruth Cawston, MA VetMB CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine, has shared expert advice on behalf of Kin Vet Community, offering practical tips to help pets feel safe and supported during this time.

Signs Your Pet Might Be Anxious

“Firework season is fast approaching, and while some people might be excited to hear the pops and bangs on and around Bonfire Night, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. For our four-legged friends, the loud noises and interrupted skies might not be a welcome surprise,” said Ruth.

According to Ruth, signs of anxiety to look out for include:
• Destructive behaviour
• Excessive barking or whining
• Trembling
• Toileting in unusual places
• Drooling
• Panting
• Yawning
• Lip or nose-licking
• Pacing

How to Help Pets Stay Calm

If your pet struggles with fireworks, Ruth shared several ways to help them stay relaxed:

Provide a den – Turn a quiet corner of your home into a cosy hideaway, such as behind the sofa or under the stairs. Add blankets, a bed, and their favourite toy to make it more comforting.

Keep calm – Pets pick up on their owner’s emotions, so staying calm yourself and rewarding relaxed behaviour can make a big difference.

Avoid evening exercise – Try walking dogs earlier in the day during fireworks season. Keep them on a shorter lead and make sure microchip details are up to date in case they get startled and run off.

Block out the bangs – Close windows and curtains to reduce noise and flashes. Playing classical music or a calm TV show can also help drown out the sound of fireworks.

Advice for Outdoor Pets

For outdoor animals, Ruth recommends:

Bring them inside – Move hutches or enclosures indoors for the night, or into a quiet shed or garage to help them feel more secure.

Add insulation – If bringing them indoors isn’t possible, cover their hutch with a blanket to muffle sounds and face the open side towards a wall or fence to block out flashes.

Ruth added, “Remember, if your pet is showing signs of distress or you require emergency support around Bonfire Night, it’s best to speak to a local vet for advice.”