Keeping Your Pets Calm and Safe During Fireworks Season 🎆🐾
As the clocks change and the darkness comes earlier each night, many pet owners begin to feel anxious about the fireworks at the start of November. Read these top tips to keep your pets calm and happy.
Around this time of year, as the nights draw in and the temperature drops, there’s something truly comforting about autumn. 🍂
It’s the season for wrapping up warm, enjoying long woodland walks, and watching your dogs bound joyfully through crisp leaves. The smell of bonfires lingers in the air, and cosy evenings become part of our daily rhythm. But as we move closer to November, many pet owners start to feel a familiar sense of worry — fireworks season is just around the corner.
For most of us, Bonfire Night is a celebration a chance to gather with friends and family, light sparklers, and watch the sky burst into colour. ✨ But for our furry friends, those same dazzling displays can be terrifying. Loud bangs, sudden flashes, and unfamiliar noises can cause real distress, leading to anxious, fearful behaviour that can be difficult to manage.
The RSPCA reports receiving nearly 12,000 responses from worried pet owners each year around this time highlighting just how widespread the issue is. So, if you’re already feeling nervous about how your pets will cope, you’re certainly not alone. The good news is, with a few thoughtful preparations, you can help keep your beloved companions calm, safe, and comfortable throughout the fireworks season.
Here are some simple but effective tips to make the next few weeks as stress-free as possible:
🐶 Create a Safe Haven – Set up a quiet, cosy space in your home where your pet can retreat if they feel frightened. Add blankets, favourite toys, and familiar scents to help them feel secure.
🚶♀️ Walk During Daylight Hours – Try to walk dogs earlier in the day, before fireworks are likely to start. This reduces the risk of being caught outside during sudden bursts of noise.
🏠 Close Curtains & Add Background Noise - Draw the curtains and turn on the TV or play soothing music to help muffle the sounds of fireworks outside.
🎾 Distract with Play – Engage your pet with their favourite toy or treat-based game to help divert their attention from the noises outside.
🧘♀️ Stay Calm Yourself – Pets often take cues from their owners. If you remain calm and relaxed, they’re more likely to feel that everything is okay too.
🌿 Try Calming Products – Consider using a plug-in diffuser or pet-safe spray that releases calming pheromones to help ease anxiety. These can make a real difference when used a few days before fireworks begin.
Bonfire Night might not be everyone’s favourite time of year especially for our four-legged friends but with these thoughtful steps, you can help ensure your pets stay calm, safe, and cared for.
And when the fireworks fade, you’ll still have those peaceful woodland walks to enjoy the beauty of autumn together. 🍁🐾
Let us know if you have any tips to help your pets through this time of year.