Bonfire Night is a magical time for many of us – crackling fires, sparklers in the garden, and fireworks dancing across the autumn sky. But for our pets, it can be one of the most stressful nights of the year. Dogs tremble, cats vanish under beds, and we, their humans, worry about how best to comfort them.
In this article, we’ll share practical, compassionate advice to help your dogs and cats stay calm on Bonfire Night. Along the way, we’ll point you towards our more detailed guides, including Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide, How to Spot and Reduce Stress in Your Cat, and Natural Remedies for Dog Separation Anxiety, for readers who want to dive deeper.
A Brief Back Story – Why Pets Fear Fireworks
For dogs and cats, the unpredictability of fireworks is the biggest problem. The sudden bangs, bright flashes, and vibrations are unlike anything they’d normally encounter. Animals don’t understand what fireworks are – to them, the sky is exploding without warning.
Research by the RSPCA shows that around 62% of dogs and 54% of cats show clear signs of distress during fireworks. From panting and pacing in dogs to hiding and refusing food in cats, the signs of stress can be heartbreaking to witness.
The good news is that with planning, patience, and a few simple changes at home, you can help your pets feel safer and calmer.
Practical Tips for Dogs on Firework Night
1. Create a Safe Space
Choose a room where your dog feels comfortable, perhaps their usual sleeping area. Close the curtains, dim the lights, and add extra blankets or their bed. Many owners find covering a crate with a heavy blanket makes it feel more den-like and secure.
If you’ve already worked on crate training, this can be a huge comfort. If not, even a cosy corner with familiar toys can do wonders.
2. Mask the Noise
Switch on the television, play gentle classical music, or use white noise machines to help drown out the sounds. The Dogs Trust even recommends specific “dog calming” playlists.
3. Remain Calm Yourself
Dogs are incredibly tuned into our emotions. If you appear anxious, they’ll feel it too. Try to act as naturally as possible, a calm presence is one of the greatest reassurances you can give.
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4. Try Natural Calming Aids
From pheromone diffusers like Adaptil to natural remedies, some owners explore natural options like chamomile or valerian root, but always consult your vet before using herbal remedies, as not all are safe or effective for every pet.. We’ve covered these in more detail in our piece Natural Remedies for Dog Separation Anxiety, worth a read if you’d like to explore gentle, drug-free solutions.
5. Take Your Dog For A Walk Before Dusk
Walk your dog during daylight hours, ideally well before dusk, to avoid being outside if fireworks start early. A tired dog is less likely to react dramatically to sudden noises.
Practical Tips for Cats on Firework Night
Cats may appear aloof, but fireworks can spook them just as badly as dogs.
1. Keep Them Indoors
Even if your cat is used to roaming the outdoors freely, it may be wisest to keep them inside on those nights when fireworks are scheduled or likely. Ensure windows, cat flaps, and doors are closed well before dusk.
2. Provide Hiding Spots
Cats cope with fear by finding somewhere to hide. Provide access to their favourite bolt-holes, under the bed, inside a wardrobe, or in a covered cat bed. Don’t drag them out; hiding is their way of self-soothing.
3. Stick to Routine Where Possible
Feed them at their usual times and avoid sudden changes. Maintaining consistent routines can help reduce stress in cats, who are highly sensitive to environmental changes..
4. Use Feline Pheromones
Products like Feliway may help minimise their anxiety levels. We cover more feline-specific signs in our article How to Spot and Reduce Stress in Your Cat, which is helpful if you’re unsure whether your cat is coping or silently suffering.
Note: Pheromone diffusers like Adaptil and Feliway can help some pets, but results vary. They work best when combined with other calming strategies.
General Tips for All Pets
- Shut windows and doors: to reduce sound and prevent escape.
- Close curtains and blinds: to limit flashes of light.
- Microchip check: ensure details are up to date, just in case a panicked pet bolts.
- Avoid punishment: scolding a fearful pet only worsens their anxiety.
- Plan ahead: if you know fireworks season is a trigger, begin desensitisation training weeks in advance. This is outlined in our guide Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide.
- Multi-pet households: If you have more than one pet, monitor their interactions. Anxious behaviour in one can influence others, so it may help to separate them if needed.
Desensitisation involves slowly exposing your pet to low levels of firework sounds while rewarding calm behavior. It’s most effective when started months before fireworks season and guided by a professional
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
If your pet’s fear seems extreme – drooling, shaking, loss of bladder control, or destructive behaviour it may be time to speak with your vet. In some cases, short-term medication is the kindest option.
Both the RSPCA and Dogs Trust offer resources on this subject and can help you find professional support:
- Dogs Trust Firework Advice
- RSPCA Fireworks and Pets
This Bonfire Night, a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your pets safe and calm. Whether you’re setting up a cosy retreat for your dog, keeping your cat indoors, or simply being a calm presence by their side, your pets will thank you for it, even if they can’t say it out loud.
We’d love to hear from you. How do your pets cope with fireworks? Have you discovered a special trick or remedy that works wonders? Share your stories in the comments below or drop us a note via our Contact Page.
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