The 5th November (and New Year) can be a dreaded date on the pet owner’s calendar. Loud bangs and whistling noises from fireworks can be terrifying for some pets, whereas others will take it in their stride.
Here are some tips to help you deal with your frightened animals, whether they’ve been upset by the noise for years, or if it’s their first Firework Night.
Distraction Techniques
Make Some Noise: Turn the TV up, put some music on, or create a noise that drowns out the banging of fireworks. Obviously you can’t do this all night, but it can cut down on stress throughout the evening.
Food Diversions: Try a stuffed Kong to distract your dog, hide treats around the room and let him have one every time a firework explodes. Give your cat a cat-nip toy, a big paper bag, or some crunchy cat treats. When you couple this with a loud television it can get them through the worst.
Keep Pets Indoors
Keep your cats and dogs inside when there are fireworks. They may be startled and run into the road, or escape from your garden to find a safer spot. Provide a litter tray for your cat and put your dog on a lead for his night-time ablutions!
Stay With Them: If your pets are scared of the bangs and whizzes, stay with them or find a sitter if you need to go out. If you leave a frightened animal in your home you might be faced with some destruction when you return.
Use Diffusers: Try a pheromone scent diffuser to calm your pets. The scent is based on pheromones their mother would release in the early days of kitten or puppyhood. Diffusers for cats and dog are available.
Outside pets
Make sure your outside pets are securely locked in their hutches. Wrap their hutch in a duvet to muffle noises, and ensure they are not in the direct line of your neighbour’s bonfire. If necessary bring them indoors.
Give your home bonfire a good poke before setting light to it, because they are perfect hedgehog nesting sites, especially if you have been building it up for a while. If you can, turn the pile over to double check.
Firework Dangers
The 5th November or New Year can be dangerous for pets, so don’t let them near bonfires or any firework displays. Dogs are usually banned from public displays for good reason.
Keep your wits about you when fireworks are scaring your pets because they may strike out under stress. Keep small children or strangers away, and pay attention to your pet’s body language. Your pet may just want to be left alone during the commotion, and you should respect that.