Bonfire Night pet safety starts well before the 5th of November. Fireworks are often set off for days either side of the date, and the bangs and flashes can frighten even the calmest pet. Here are our top tips to help your furry family feel safe.

How to keep dogs calm during fireworks

• Walk early. Take your dog out in daylight, before the fireworks start.

• Feed early. A settled tummy helps a settled pet.

• Create a safe den. Choose a quiet spot with a favourite blanket and toys, and let your pet hide if they want to. Try not to coax them out.

• Mask the noise. Close windows and curtains, and play music or the TV.

• Stay calm yourself. Our pets pick up on our mood, so act as normal as you can.

• Never take your dog to a display or leave them alone outside.

Keeping cats safe on Bonfire Night

Keep cats indoors from late afternoon, and make sure they have a litter tray, food, water and somewhere to hide. Close cat flaps and windows. A frightened cat may bolt, so it’s worth checking their microchip details are up to date.

Fireworks and rabbits, guinea pigs and small pets

Outdoor pets get scared too. Cover part of the hutch with a blanket, add extra bedding to burrow in, or move them somewhere quiet like a garage or shed.

Signs your pet is stressed by fireworks

• Panting or drooling

• Pacing or trembling

• Hiding

• Toileting indoors

• Destructive behaviour

Check pets after walks

Spent fireworks and sparkler sticks can be dangerous if chewed, so keep dogs on a lead and keep an eye on what they sniff out.

Check your pet’s microchip

Frightened pets can bolt. It’s a legal requirement for dogs and cats in England to be microchipped, and it helps us reunite many pets with their owners every year. Make sure your details are up to date. Our Halloween pet safety tips cover this too.

Need extra help?

If your pet finds fireworks very distressing, talk to our team. There are training and behaviour options, and the earlier you start, the better. Please don’t give any medication without speaking to us first. Give us a call or book an appointment with one of our vets or nurses.