Bonfires and Fireworks

It’s the time of year that a lot of pet owners are dreading. Bonfire night and the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year are filled with endless nights of fireworks that scare pets and wildlife. 

For pets, such as cats and dogs, we can help them through this period with management, desensitisation and training. For those that haven’t started training and need immediate support, we can support are pets in the moment with the following.

Investigate your local area

Ask local Facebook pages or use Google to find out the days and times of local fireworks and bonfire displays to know when you need to help your pet.

Limited time outside 

Walks and toileting should aim to be outside of when the sky is dark and normal firework times such as between 7pm-10pm. Outdoor cats may enjoy a safe space such as a shed to hide in.

Sound layering 

To drown out the fireworks, use music that overshadows the bangs. This might be heavy metal or rock with drum beats. Some pets relax with pet designed playlists online, or white noise machines. 

Anti anxiety clothing

Pressure coats such as ThunderShirt, or ear cover snoods can comfort dogs during loud noises

Anti anxiety supplements 

Supplements that have been marketed to aid anxiety in pets during fireworks season such as Zylkene, Pet Remedy, Adaptil and Dorwest Herbs. They may need to be given days in advance to build up.

Vet prescribed medication 

Anti anxiety medication that can be used to support your pets anxiety during this time. Speak to your vet for more information on this to see if this is suitable for your pet.

Distractions 

To keep our pets busy and less focused on noises, using enrichment toys such as KONGs, Lickimat, snuffle mats, or general training that’s positive and fun. 

Safe spaces and dens

Provide your pet with a safe space to hide and settle. This might be a cosy covered crate, litter box, cat tree, cat bed, under furniture. If in these areas provide your pet with water and monitor their mood state. Keep doors, windows and curtains closed. For some dogs, going on a car journey whilst listening to music can be a successful way to manage firework and noise stress during big firework events near by. This should only be used for dogs or pets that feel safe in the car.

Training and desensitisation 

Outside of firework season, prep your pet for these noises via YouTube videos. Here are some key points in your training.

• Start off at a low volume and play so your pet can get used to the noise. If they react or get scared, this isn't desensitisation. This idea is to gradually expose them to the noises getting louder of a couple of weeks or months. 

• If you want to use counter conditioning (changing their emotional response from a negative to positive) pair up the noise with something good happening. For example, play the firework noises at a low volume whilst your pet is enjoying a Lickimat, KONG or play.

• Please remember, you cannot reward fear with comfort. If your pet is scared and you comfort them, they wont feel more scared, they will feel comforted and therefore better. 

If you would like extra support in prepping your pet for firework and bonfire night, get in contact as soon as possible. If your dog has any underlying health conditions, or has any chronic pain such as ear infections, muscular discomfort or joint issues, they may be more noise sensitive and need this pain managed too. 

If you are taking part in firework night, please be kind to those who may struggle during this time period and stick to a day and time that’s predictable for pet owners.

Kathy x