The RSPCA is sharing some easy-to-follow tips to help pet owners keep their pets safe, calm and comfortable during fireworks season.
The charity warned it can be the “most frightening” time of year for animals.
“Many worried pet owners are already starting to think about upcoming fireworks and wondering how to keep their pets safe and limit stress,” said RSPCA pet welfare expert Alice Potter.
“By taking a few simple actions early, pet owners can make a huge positive difference for their animals.
“Preparing in advance helps pets stay relaxed and gives owners complete peace of mind.”
How to prepare for the bangs ahead of time
- Adjust dog walks to daylight hours to avoid sudden evening displays.
- Gradually and carefully introduce recorded firework sounds at low volume to get pets accustomed to noise.
- Build a safe haven by creating a cosy den with blankets for dogs, provide extra hiding spots for cats, and add extra bedding for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs to burrow into.
- Play calming music by tuning into broadcasts such as Classic FM’s Pet Classics so pets grow familiar with soothing background sounds.
- Speak to a vet about the use of calming pheromone diffusers for the home – or for pets who severely struggle with anxiety and fear, discuss potential treatments with your vet.
Top tips to cope when fireworks are taking place
- Exercise early: Most fireworks are set off once it’s dark outside, so take your dog out for walks while it’s still light, to avoid walking past a sudden display. It’s harder to distract your pet from loud bangs and flashes while outdoors.
- Stay nearby so you can help to calm them with your presence.
- Put on some music or tv: play Classic FM’s Pet Classics playlist of soothing sounds. This will help to mask the firework sounds.
- Build a cosy den with sheets and blankets – in a crate, using furniture, or in a safe corner. Encourage your pet to settle in their special space before firework season starts, by tempting them with toys and healthy treats.
- Play with a toy to see if your pet wants to join in, but don’t force them to play.
- Close any windows and black out your pet’s safe area. If you haven’t already, do what you can to block out both the noise and the flashes, such as draw curtains and lower blinds.
- Keep your home secure: make sure your pet can’t escape if there’s a sudden noise.
- Let your dog pace around – if they’re whining, barking or hiding, let them. Don’t try to coax them out, they’re just trying to find safety.
- Act as you usually do – stay calm and be normal, to show your dog there’s nothing to be scared of.
- Bring in small animals, cats and don’t tie up your dog outside.
- Comfort them and show them that they’re safe.
- Please don’t take your dog to a fireworks display, even if they seem unbothered by the noise, it doesn’t mean they’re happy about fireworks.
Classic FM schedules
Dan Walker, Aled Jones and Dawn O’Porter will host three special Pet Classics programmes on Classic FM filled with soothing classical music and expert advice from the RSPCA, to help keep your pets calm.
New for this year, the team has commissioned an original piece of pet-friendly music – When The Night Goes Quiet, written and recorded by composer Noah Inada-Kim.
Classic FM Pet Classics shows will air:
- Thursday 5 November, 5-10pm, with Dan Walker
- Friday 6 November, 5-10pm, with Aled Jones
- Saturday 7 November, 5-10pm, with Dawn O’Porter
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