Make sure your pet has somewhere safe they can go to and hide in if they want to.
Make sure they are in a secure environment in case they become startled and run off, getting themselves into an unsafe situation.
Keep cats and dogs inside when fireworks are taking place.
Take your dog for a walk in daylight as there is a much lesser chance of fireworks being set off.
Make sure your pet has plenty of exercise during the day.
Close cat flaps and doggy flaps.
For small pets
Make sure your small pet, i.e. hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs etc. feel safe in their hutches.
Provide extra bedding so that they can burrow down to feel more safe and secure.
Consider bringing pets that usually live outdoors indoors.
If your pets are staying outdoors, partly cover the enclosure with a thick blanket to reduce noise.
For dogs
Pheromone diffusers help some dogs keep calm during fireworks and even other stressful situations.
They work by dispersing calming chemicals into the room.
The chemicals act as signals, transferring information to tell your doggy to keep calm and that they are safe.
Sound therapy is another option for dogs.
For cats and dogs
Close windows and curtains in the evening.
Put soft music on to cover the sound of scary fireworks.
Use sounds such as the television and radio if your pets are used to this kind of noise.
Provide toys and other things your cat or dog enjoys.
Don’t leave your pet alone, offer to play with them but don’t push them to.
Ignore the firework noises yourself.
Give your pet cuddles and strokes if it makes them feel better but do not force them to if they feel safe and cosier hidden away somewhere secure.
If you are having fireworks yourself please be aware of both pets and wild animals!
Use low noise fireworks as they will be less stressful for pets.
Keep away from fields with animals in them.
Let nearby pet owners and animal farmers know in advance if your having a display, if you can.
Firework litter can be really harmful to wildlife and the environment. Clean up any debris that you leave behind. Fireworks shower toxic chemicals into the ground.
Bonfires are extremely harmful to wild animals! Piles of leaves and twigs look like inviting homes to hedgehogs and rodents as well as other wildlife.
If you are going to have a bonfire, check very thoroughly to make sure they are no animals in the area – be especially careful to look for hibernating animals as they will be harder to see.
Never leave your dog tied up outside a shop.
Never punish your pets for being scared.
If your pet needs extra care, seek veterinary help at least 6-12 weeks before the season starts.
