Whilst we all love fireworks at Jordans Fireworks, we appreciate that our furry friends aren’t often fans.
It’s been estimated by the RSPCA that 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. And it’s not just dogs – cats, horses and smaller animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs all show these signs of fear upon hearing fireworks.
With New Year’s Eve being a constant display of bright lights, whooshes and loud bangs illuminating the night’s sky, it can be torture for pets. In order to make the night and indeed, any night where fireworks are involved, fun for all – pets included, we have looked what you can do to keep your animals comfortable when fireworks are being set off.
Dogs
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Ensure your dog has somewhere quiet and safe to hide should they want to, this could be in a quiet room in your home, underneath furniture or in an understairs cupboard, providing it’s spacious enough. To keep them occupied, see that there are some toys and chews for them here
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Consider using pheromone diffusers. Available from your vet, these release calming chemicals into the air which can help to calm your dog
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Walk your dog earlier in the day before any fireworks will be set off
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At night, close any windows and the curtains so that the noise and lights from the fireworks are not as noticeable for your pet
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Playing music or turning the television up can help to distract your dog
Cats
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Before nightfall, ensure your cat is home and inside rather than roaming around outside
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Ensure doors, cat flaps and windows are secure to stop your cat from escaping outside
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Close the curtains so that the lights from the fireworks are not so noticeable
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Provide your cat with a hiding place inside your home, as with a dog this can be a quiet room in your home, underneath furniture or in an understairs cupboard. See that there are some toys and treats here to keep them occupied
Smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens
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If your pet lives outside in a cage, a hutch or pen, use blankets to soundproof one area of this. It’s important that you don’t cover the entire area though so that they can still look outside
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Provide them with extra bedding so that they can burrow should they want to
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Consider bringing them inside if you think they are going to be affected being so close to fireworks being set off
Horses
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If your horse lives in a field, be sure to check in advance of any firework displays which may be taking place nearby
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Ask neighbours and display organisers to set off fireworks in the opposite direction to your horse’s field
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Consider stabling your horse on New Year’s Eve and playing music to distract them from the noise of the fireworks
Wildlife
Fireworks and bonfires can be fatal for wild animals such as hedgehogs and birds, as piles of leaves, wood and grass can make attractive nesting places. If you are building a bonfire or lighting fireworks, be sure to check all around the area before you do so. It’s important to remember that due to the time of the year there may be animals which are hibernating for the winter, so they may not be as obvious.
It is also important to pick up any debris and litter from fireworks and the bonfire, as this can be dangerous to animals. Ensure that you do this when it has cooled down though and dispose of fireworks in the correct manner to avoid harm to yourself.
