How to help reassure your pets this bonfire night

Fireworks season is primarily a beautiful display of colour, sound and excitement. However, for those same reasons, late October into mid-November can be an unsettling time for animals. All those noises and bright flashes of light will quite often raise stress levels among our pets or leave them frozen with fear. At worst, it can lead to cats and dogs escaping.

Thankfully, there are some precautionary steps pet owners can take in order to keep their beloved animals safe.

It sounds obvious – and no one wants to restrict their pet's freedom if they aren't used to being confined – but for the duration of fireworks season it’s worth keeping pets indoors where possible, even if only after dark when fireworks are most likely to be let off.

Try and take your dog for a long walk before it gets dark, so they’ve had some exercise and try to encourage your cat to stay inside, especially if they are comfortable staying indoors. It’s worth introducing these steps a week or two in advance for a gentle build-up of these new routines before the fireworks start being lit.

Familiar noises – the sound of the TV or music – can not only mask the noises outside, but they can also provide reassurance. Animals are masters at spotting agitation in humans – and this will soon rub off on them. Wherever possible try and keep relaxed yourself. Try not to react to the fireworks.

Ensuring your pets have access to the places where they would usually retreat to or feel secure is key during this period. For example, building a den or safe area for them to retreat to – as simple as draping a blanket or cloth over a table and filling it with treats, toys and cushions – can help. It will also help reduce the amount of noise they hear. Creating a distraction is key.

Also, if your pet isn't used to being crated, don't suddenly introduce this now. And if they do have a crate already, allow them to retreat to it as and when they choose, rather than locking them in.

The sound of fireworks suddenly erupting is the primary reason why pets get scared, but the bright glares don’t help either. Ensure all curtains and blinds are drawn to prevent exposure to the flashing lights.

If your furry friend has a history of heightened anxiety during the fireworks season and becomes unsettled at the sound of every rocket exploding across the night sky, it might be worth booking an appointment with a vet well in advance. In some cases, they can prescribe medication to keep your pet calm.

The most dangerous thing during this stressful period is for your pet to try to flee. So, ensure that all doors are shut and windows locked. Also, when leaving or entering the house, do so quickly, and block escape routes in the garden to avoid accidental fleeing.

It's important to keep your pet's microchip information up to date, as in the unlikely event of your pet escaping, this can be used to reunite you as soon as possible.

But with a little planning and lots of care and attention for your pet, any such upset can be avoided, and they might even enjoy the extra TLC they're getting from their owners!

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