Vets urge pet owners to start preparing for Bonfire Night

As Bonfire Night approaches, kicking off firework season, vet charity PDSA is urging pet owners to take preventive action to “reduce the extreme distress and suffering that fireworks can cause for many of our four-legged friends”. 

Every year, dogs spooked by fireworks will bolt off and become lost or killed by vehicles, causing heartbreak and distress to everyone involved. Petitions to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and limit their use to regulated public displays have so far brought no results.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said, “The firework season may be an especially difficult time for pups who were raised during lockdown – our 2021 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report shows that 15 per cent of UK dogs (139,000) obtained during the pandemic are showing signs of fear.”

“One well recognised fear in dogs is noise phobias, and our previous research reports that 40% of dogs are afraid of fireworks. Of those dogs owned before the pandemic, our research revealed 3% of dogs (260,000) were reported as showing signs of fear, so it’s unknown what the impact will be come November.

“Thankfully, there are simple steps to reduce distress in our furry family members – the sooner you can start preparing the better. While some pets who are very affected by fireworks can take months of training to make them more comfortable with the bangs and flashes, there are still plenty of things you can do now to help.

“PDSA has produced a free guide to help owners lessen the impact of this stressful period.”

PDSA’s top tips include

Start early

The earlier you can start your pre-fireworks prep, the better – aim to start getting them used to the bangs and whistles at least six weeks prior to Bonfire Night or other big occasions. Play firework noises quietly throughout the house and pair these with their favourite treat. If they show any signs of stress, stop the noises, and try again at a lower volume when they are not reacting. Continue to do this all year round, so your pet builds up positive associations with these sounds.

Secure your garden

Secure your home and garden in advance, as fearful furry friends may panic and scarper. Ensure any ‘escape routes’ – such as holes in fences – are inaccessible.

Set up a hideaway

Create a ‘den’ in a quiet room or cupboard, which your pet can use as a safe space to hide in. It’s important that your pet already views this space as a safe place that they can escape to. Make it extra cosy with blankets and their favourite toys and treats, and add pillows or cushions to help absorb the loud noises – you can also do the same to hutches for smaller four-legged friends, who may also appreciate some extra bedding to hide away in.

Create calm vibes

Using pheromone products can help anxious pets, as the scents they release provide a calming effect to relax a stressed pooch or puss. You can even prepare a calming playlist, as music with a repetitive beat might help to disguise the loud bangs from fireworks and may keep your furry friend relaxed.

Speak to your vet

If you’re concerned your pet has a severe phobia of fireworks, it’s best to speak to an expert. Your vet can advise you on measures to improve the phobia, such as professional behaviour therapy or prescribe medications to help.

For more information on how to prepare your pet for Bonfire Night and to download PDSA’s free Firework Guide, please visit www.pdsa.org.uk/fireworks2021.