Dr Sarah Page-Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, has offered her expert tips for keeping pets calm this bonfire night.
For many people, Bonfire Night is a celebration filled with fireworks and festivities. However, for millions of animals across the country, it can be one of the most terrifying nights of the year. Fireworks can be scary for pets who don’t understand that the loud noises and flashing lights aren’t a threat.
As over half of UK adults own a pet (51%), Dr Sarah Page-Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online, has shared her essential advice to help pet owners keep their furry friends calm this Bonfire Night, from engaging puzzles to soothing sounds.[3]
Why are pets afraid of fireworks?
Dr Page-Jones explains: “Fear in dogs and cats is a vital survival mechanism and part of the fight-or-flight response. Different things scare different pets, but many animals fear loud noises and flashing lights, so fireworks can be incredibly overwhelming. This is mainly because your pet cannot understand what is happening and may perceive fireworks as threatening.”
What can help support them?
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution for reducing fireworks anxiety; what works for one pet might not work well for another. However, at least one of these tips should help your furry friend.”
1)Close the curtains and windows
“Fireworks are loud, bright and stimulating. Keeping windows and curtains closed can help muffle the sound and block the light. While it might not offer a complete soundproofing solution, it can make a big difference in helping your pet stay calm.”
2) Provide a safe space
“Pets thrive on feeling safe, and creating a cozy, warm spot, like their crate or a cat cubby, can offer them a sense of security. Before evening sets in and fireworks begin, set up a peaceful retreat where your pet can unwind. Try to avoid forcing them to stay put, as restricting anxiety-driven behaviours like pacing or hiding can actually heighten their stress.”
“A safe space can be a crate or even a spare room with hiding places where your pet feels comfortable and secure. Some pets may prefer to stay close to you, or at least be in your line of sight, if so, ensure that you remain close to them at home throughout the evening.”
“For pets that do struggle to settle, sprays and diffusers, like the CALMEX® Calming Diffuser Refill for Cats & Dogs, can be highly effective for managing anxiety in cats and dogs. These products mimic natural scents that provide reassurance and comfort pets to help create a more peaceful environment.
3) Offer them distractions
“Sometimes the best way to help your pet is to focus their attention elsewhere; in some cases, this can prevent them from reacting in the first place. Make sure you walk your dog early while it’s still light so they’re more tempted to rest,and bring your cat indoors before dark so you know where they are. “
“Interactive or food-based toys can be a lifesaver. Engaging your dogs with puzzle toys or long-lasting treat toys like this KONG Classic can be a great choice, and teaser toys like this KONG® Active Swizzle Bird Teaser Toy are perfect for tempting cats.”
“If your pet is more food orientated, a LickiMat® Classic Soother™, encourages lapping, which can promote the release of endorphins and serotonin, which can help reduce anxiety and promote calmness.”
4) Put on music or the TV
“To help muffle the sounds from outside, try turning TVs or radios on and creating a familiar atmosphere. Classic FM announced earlier last week that they would be bringing back “Pet Classics” on Bonfire Night, for its eighth year running, to help furry friends.”
5) Don’t tell your dog off
Dr Page-Jones explains: “Bonfire Night is a very confusing time for pets, while we as humans understand that fireworks aren’t a threat, our pets don’t realise this. It can be frustrating and upsetting to have a distressed animal, but raising voices will only make their fear worse in the long run. Try to stay calm and act normally; pets take direction from us, so staying calm can help them feel safer.”
6) Speak to your vet
“If your pet already experiences anxiety, it’s important to speak with your vet well in advance of firework season. They can offer advice, recommend calming solutions, and potentially prescribe medications to help ease your pet’s stress during this time. Preparing ahead can make a big difference in keeping your pet comfortable and safe.”
For more information about Pet Drugs Online and the accessories they offer for pets, please visit: https://www.petdrugsonline.co.uk/toys-accessories
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