How to keep cats and dogs calm on Bonfire Night
While Bonfire Night is a joyous occasion for many, the bright lights and loud bangs associated with this tradition can be a major cause of stress for animals across the UK. A survey by RSPCA showed that during the 2023 fireworks season, 67% of respondents said that private back yard fireworks displays were the cause of their pet’s fear response.
As a pet owner, you may know all too well the anticipation leading up to fireworks season, worrying about how your pet is going to react and what measures you’ll take to calm their nerves. Learning about the signs of stress and familiarising yourself with a few calming techniques can be a great way to prepare you and your pet for a peaceful night in.
Be prepared
While you may not be able to completely eliminate the fear caused by fireworks, developing an action plan in advance will give your pet the best chance of a calmer night. Through a special type of training outlined by Blue Cross, you can help your pet to adjust by playing recordings of fireworks from four to six months before Bonfire Night.
But if you’re unable to commit to such training, rest assured there are many other ways to prepare your pet. Maintain relaxation for dogs by purchasing a pheromone diffuser; these plug into your wall and disperse calming chemicals into the room. Calming supplements and herbal remedies can also be bought for cats.
Another great way to be proactive is to check the dates and times of local displays. This way, you can know what’s going to happen when and be able to act accordingly.
It’s also important to ensure that your pet’s microchip details are up to date, so if in the worst-case scenario they do get spooked and run away, you can be reunited with them more easily.
Know the signs of stress
Developing a strong understanding of your pet and their stress responses can play an instrumental role in knowing how to provide the best support.
While every animal is different, both dogs and cats each display their own species-typical signs of stress.
Dogs:
Trembling / shaking
Panting
Barking
Toileting in the house
Cats:
Hiding behind or on top of furniture
Attempting to run away
Refusing food
Toileting in the house
Keep them inside
The simplest yet most effective thing you can do for your pet on Bonfire Night is keep them inside, away from all the high-sensory activity going on outside. Do NOT take your pet to a display, as this can be extremely stress-inducing for them.
Ensure to walk your dog earlier in the day before displays are scheduled to begin and keep them on a lead in case fireworks are set off early and they try to run away out of fear.
If your cat is used to going outside for the toilet, provide an indoor litter tray for them to use, minimising all possible reasons for going outside.
Many pets, especially cats, will try to flee as a natural fear response. It is vital that you close off any escape routes in case they do try to run away. This can mean closing all windows and doors, blocking off cat flaps and securing your garden.
Block out and distract
Once your pet is secured inside, you should make every effort to block out the outside world and establish a calm and safe environment. Animals can find the bright flashes of fireworks frightening, so making sure you have blinds or curtains on all windows and drawing them is key.
Depending on what your pet is used to, try switching on the TV or radio and increasing the volume slightly to mask the sounds of fireworks. Some radio stations helpfully play classical music for pets during peak fireworks season, promoting a sense of calm.
Additionally, use this opportunity to get out your pet’s favourite games, puzzle feeders and toys. Immersing them in something entertaining and treat-oriented can be a great way to distract from their anxieties.
What you can do
Above all, your actions during this period are especially important. As their primary caregiver, your pet will observe how you respond in times of stress, so it is vital that you are conscious of the behaviour you exhibit.
Try not to show signs of concern over your pet. If they sense that you are stressed, it will only signal to them that they may be unsafe. Instead, remain calm and act normally, maintaining as much of a normal routine as possible.
Be prepared to provide comfort and support if needed, but also don’t force this upon them. Some animals may prefer to find safety in solitary by hiding under the bed or creating a den. Others may pace around or whine. You can gently make them aware of your presence and comfort available, all while not imposing on your pet’s efforts to self soothe.
While stress may cause your pet to exhibit less favourable behaviours, it is most important that you do NOT punish them for anything they do in fear. This will only scare them more and create negative associations with fireworks, which will be apparent on future occasions.
If your pet continues to struggle significantly over the fireworks season, it might be worth speaking to your vet. They may be able to prescribe calming medication for your pet or advise on finding a behaviourist.