Between Halloween and Bonfire Night, firework displays are taking place across the country this week.
While the shows can be stunning, the loud noises and flashing lights can be distressing to wildlife and pets alike.
Indeed, an RSPCA study states that 45% of dogs suffer discomfort and distress when they hear and see fireworks.
That’s millions of pets across the UK - and without even mentioning cats and other animals.
There are even calls for fireworks to be limited to weekends, or in certain zones of populated areas, to reduce disruption to both pets and people.
If you’ve got pets at home, especially ones with nervous dispositions, there are some steps you can take to help keep them calm and safe during Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, and other times of year with firework displays.
Keep outdoor animals indoors
Even if you pets normally venture outside as and when they please, it’s best to keep them indoors overnight at this time of year, especially on nights when you know there will be fireworks going off.
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If they are scared, outdoor animals might run away or injure themselves. Being indoors not only keeps them safe, but also muffles the noise and lights for them.
Pets should also routinely be microchipped to help locate them if they go missing. If you have a dog, take it for a walk ahead of the likely time of fireworks being used. You might also want to lock your cat flap if you have one.
Create a safe space
An animal’s reflex will be to flee or hide from a threat, like loud noises, that it doesn’t understand.
Create a zone in the house where your pet can retreat to where they will feel secure.
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Set this up well in advance of likely firework events so your pet is used to going into it, make it as comfortable as possible, and equip it with toys and treats.
Don’t worry if your pet prefers to hide somewhere away from you – they are just looking for a safe space, and it doesn’t mean anything negative about you.
Play music
It might feel counterintuitive, but if there are loud noises outside, playing music or turning up the volume of the TV can make them less intrusive.
Your pets are used to the usual sounds of the house, so muffling the sudden bangs with background noise can help a lot.
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You could also try closing curtains to muffle the bangs and crashes and keep out flashes of light.
Set the tone
Your pet will often match your mood, so try to keep calm yourself. If they show signs of distress, do what you can to soothe them.
Don’t chastise them if they howl, yowl or bark, and speak to them in low, calming tones. They could respond well if you play with them or give them a favourite toy.
Try to keep their routine the same, so they don’t get put off by disruptions to the usual play of the day.
