Bonfire Night can be a fun time of year, but for many pets, the sudden bangs, flashes and unfamiliar noises can be frightening. Fireworks can start appearing well before 5 November and may continue for several weeks around Bonfire Night, Halloween, Diwali and New Year's Eve. That means it's worth preparing your home and your pets before the first fireworks begin rather than waiting until the evening itself.
Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit or another small pet, a little preparation can make the experience much easier for them.
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| Photo by Mikhail Vasilyev on Unsplash |
Why Are Fireworks So Frightening for Pets?
Fireworks are loud, unpredictable and completely unfamiliar to many animals. Unlike us, pets don't understand why there are sudden explosions and flashes outside their home. Some animals may show obvious signs of fear, such as shaking, hiding, barking or trying to escape. Others may become restless, clingy or unusually quiet. Rabbits and other small animals can be particularly vulnerable because they are prey animals and can react strongly to sudden noises.
The good news is that there are plenty of simple things you can do to make your home feel safer and more comfortable.
1. Create a Safe Space
One of the easiest things you can do is give your pet somewhere they can retreat to when the fireworks begin.
This doesn't need to be anything complicated. It could be:
- Their usual bed or crate
- A quiet corner of a room
- A covered area with blankets
- A favourite hiding place
- A cardboard box or tunnel for smaller pets
Try to make the space available before the fireworks start so your pet can investigate it in their own time, if you want more tips on making a pet friendly home check out our post. It is important to not force them into the space. The idea is to give them a choice of somewhere comfortable to go if they feel frightened.
For rabbits and small pets
Make sure outdoor rabbits and other small animals have plenty of safe hiding places within their accommodation. Extra bedding can help them feel secure, while familiar tunnels, boxes and shelters give them somewhere to retreat. If your rabbits normally live outside, check their housing carefully before fireworks season begins. Make sure it is secure, dry and protected from flashes and sudden noise while still allowing plenty of ventilation.
2. Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed
The flashes from fireworks can be just as unsettling as the noise.
Closing curtains or blinds before the fireworks begin can reduce the amount of light entering your home and can also help muffle some of the sound. For pets who normally watch the world go by from a window, you may want to make their usual viewing area more comfortable elsewhere in the room.
3. Put Some Background Noise On
You don't need to sit in complete silence waiting for the next bang. Having some familiar background noise can help make the fireworks less noticeable.
You could try:
- The television
- Radio
- A familiar playlist
- A film or programme
- White noise or another consistent background sound
Keep the volume at a comfortable level. The aim isn't to drown the fireworks out completely, but to create a familiar and predictable sound in the background.
4. Make Sure Your Pet Is Secure
A frightened animal may behave very differently from normal. Dogs may try to run away, cats may attempt to escape through an open door or window, and smaller animals can become more determined to get out of their usual enclosure.
Before fireworks season gets underway, check:
- Doors and windows
- Garden gates
- Rabbit runs and hutches
- Outdoor enclosures
- Fencing
- Microchip details
- Collars and identification tags where appropriate
If you have a dog, make sure their microchip details are up to date and consider checking their collar and ID tag too.
5. Get Dog Walks Done Earlier
If you have a dog who becomes worried by fireworks, don't wait until the evening to fit in their main walk. Try to get out while it is still light and before fireworks are likely to start.
Keep dogs on a lead if there is any possibility of fireworks already being set off. Even a normally calm dog can panic when startled by a sudden explosion. Once you're back home, settle in for the evening and keep doors and gates secure.
6. Keep Rabbits and Small Pets in Their Routine
Routine can be reassuring for animals.
Try to keep feeding times, cleaning and normal interaction as consistent as possible rather than suddenly changing everything because fireworks are expected. For rabbits and other small pets, make sure they have access to their usual food, plenty of hay, fresh water and familiar enrichment. If they live outdoors, check their accommodation before dark and make sure there are plenty of secure hiding areas.
7. Add Some Extra Enrichment
Giving your pet something familiar and enjoyable to concentrate on can be helpful. For dogs, this might be a favourite toy, chew or food puzzle. For cats, you could provide a favourite toy, scratching post or cosy hiding place.
For rabbits, try simple enrichment such as:
- A cardboard box to explore
- Hay stuffed into a cardboard tube
- A forage box
- Safe tunnels
- Their favourite toys
Keep things familiar where possible. Bonfire Night probably isn't the best time to introduce lots of completely new things if your pet is already feeling unsettled.
8. Stay Calm Yourself
Pets can pick up on changes in our behaviour, so try to keep the evening as normal as possible. You don't need to ignore your pet if they are frightened, but you also don't need to make a huge fuss every time a firework goes off. Let them decide whether they want to hide, sit near you or move around.
If your pet comes to you for reassurance, it's perfectly fine to comfort them. Just let them take the lead.
9. Don't Forget About Halloween and Other Firework Dates
Bonfire Night isn't the only time you may hear fireworks.
Depending on where you live, fireworks can also appear around:
- Halloween
- Diwali
- New Year's Eve
- Local celebrations
- Private garden parties
- Organised firework displays
This can make fireworks season feel much longer for pets. If your pet is particularly nervous, it can be useful to keep an eye on local events and prepare your home whenever you know fireworks are likely.
A Simple Bonfire Night Checklist
If you want to keep things simple, here's your quick checklist:
☐ Create a safe, comfortable space
☐ Close curtains and blinds
☐ Put familiar background noise on
☐ Check doors, windows and gates
☐ Make sure outdoor enclosures are secure
☐ Check microchip and ID details
☐ Walk dogs before dark
☐ Provide familiar toys and enrichment
☐ Make sure rabbits and small pets have plenty of bedding and hiding places
☐ Keep food and water topped up
☐ Keep your evening as calm and familiar as possible
What If Your Pet Is Extremely Frightened?
Some pets become very distressed during fireworks and may need more help than changes to their environment alone can provide. If your pet has previously had a severe reaction to fireworks, speak to your vet before fireworks season. They can advise you on the options that are appropriate for your individual pet. Don't give your pet medication or calming products unless you have checked that they are suitable for them and, where necessary, discussed them with your vet.
Making Bonfire Night Easier for Everyone
You can't stop the fireworks outside, but you can make your home feel like a safe and familiar place while they're happening. A quiet room, closed curtains, familiar sounds, plenty of hiding places and a little extra preparation can all make a difference.
And perhaps the most important thing is to start preparing before Bonfire Night. If your pet is nervous, having everything ready in advance means you can concentrate on keeping them comfortable when the fireworks begin. For our pets, Bonfire Night might not be the exciting celebration it is for us but with a little planning, it doesn't have to be a frightening one either.
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