Pets & fireworks – advice from the PDSA

Preparing dogs for the firework season

• Help your dog by creating a comforting ‘den’ where they can hide. This could be inside a wardrobe or cupboard, or behind a sofa.
• Pad it with old pillows and blankets to soundproof it. In the weeks leading up to firework season, give your dog access to this den at all times.
• Give healthy treats and praise when your dog uses it, to build a positive association.
• Don’t force your dog to go into the den you’ve made if they prefer a different hiding place.
• Use a pheromone plug-in nearby. Pheromones are scents that calm dogs, but we can’t smell them. They’re available from pet shops.

What should I do on firework nights?

• Take your dog for a walk well before fireworks are due to begin.
• Keep doors, windows and cat and dog flaps closed.
• Draw the curtains.
• Play music with a repetitive beat to help mask the sounds.
• Don’t comfort or reassure your pets, even though it’s tempting. They will feel your anxiety and so their fear will be rewarded and encouraged.
• Never punish your pets. It’s not their fault they‘re scared and it adds to their anxiety.
• Ensure your pets are microchipped, so if they escape from the home, there is more chance you will be reunited.
• Let cats hide where they like – do not try to tempt them out.
• Don’t pick up cats or restrain them if they are scared: cats prefer to control how they cope.

What should I do to help small pets and wildlife?

• Partly cover hutches and outdoor cages with blankets, so they’re more sound-proofed.
• Make sure your pets have hiding places and secure areas where they can feel safe.
• Give plenty of bedding – this helps keep noise out and provides a hiding place.
• Ensure the bonfire is nowhere near any pets.
• Hedgehogs may think an unlit bonfire is a great place to sleep. So build the fire as late as possible and disturb it around the bottom before lighting, to let any wildlife escape.