01/11/2025
As Bonfire Night and the winter festivities approach, many of our beloved pets can become anxious due to fireworks. Here are our top tips to keep your animals calm, comfortable, and safe:
Prepare a safe haven
-Create a cosy den with familiar bedding and favourite toys in a quiet, interior room.
-Close curtains and blinds to muffle flashes; leave the lights on low for a steady ambience.
-Play gentle background noise (soft music, radio, or a white-noise -track) to help mask sudden bangs.
-Plan walks and toileting early
Exercise dogs well before dusk so they’re home and settled before fireworks begin.
-Ensure cats have access to litter trays indoors and bring small animals inside where possible.
-Keep them secure
-Check microchip details are up to date and ensure collars and ID tags are secure.
-Keep doors, windows, and cat flaps closed; supervise garden visits on a lead if necessary.
-Stay calm and carry on
-Your composure reassures them—avoid fussing excessively over signs of fear.
-Offer treats and praise for calm behaviour; consider enrichment toys to occupy their minds.
-Consider calming aids
-Pheromone diffusers and sprays, calming supplements, snug-fit anxiety wraps, and soothing chews can help many pets.
-Speak to your vet about options if your pet has a history of severe noise phobia.
-Small furries and outdoor pets
-Partly cover hutches with thick blankets, leaving ventilation; add extra bedding for burrowing.
-Move hutches into a shed or garage (not used for cars) during peak times if possible.
-Firework night routine
-Feed pets a little earlier and draw curtains before nightfall.
-Put on calming music an hour before fireworks typically start.
Avoid taking dogs out during displays; keep leads on if you must step outside.
Pop in to Parkhouse Pet Supplies for friendly advice and a range of calming solutions, enrichment toys, ID tags, and cosy bedding to help your companions feel safe this season.
Stay safe and be considerate of neighbours with animals—your kindness makes a world of difference. 🐾
— Parkhouse Pet Supplies
