30/10/2026
🎆🐾 Helping Your Pets During Fireworks 🐾🎆
With fireworks already having started, now is a good time to make sure your pets are comfortable and you are as prepared as possible.
The poster below has some helpful tips on how to prepare in advance, but what about during and after the fireworks?
🐾 DURING FIREWORKS
💚 Stay Calm & Offer Reassurance
Pets can pick up on our emotions, so try to remain calm and relaxed. If your pet is frightened, offer gentle reassurance, affection and comfort if they seek it. You won’t make their fear worse by comforting them. Some pets prefer to be left alone in their safe space, so let them choose what feels most comfortable.
🐶 Monitor Your Pet
Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety or distress, such as trembling, panting, pacing, hiding or excessive vocalisation. Allow them to retreat to their chosen safe space and avoid forcing them to interact or come out of hiding.
🏡 Keep Pets Safely Indoors
Try to walk dogs and allow outdoor access before it gets dark and the fireworks begin. Keep cats indoors, close windows and doors securely, and draw curtains to reduce flashes and noise. If your dog needs to go outside for a toilet break, keep them on a lead, even in a secure garden.
🎶 Play Calming Music
Playing gentle background music can help mask the sound of fireworks and create a calmer environment.
Classic FM is bringing back its special Pet Classics programmes, featuring soothing classical music and advice from the RSPCA, on Thursday 5th, Friday 6th and Saturday 7th November, from 5pm–10pm each evening. You can listen on Classic FM or through Global Player.
🐾 AFTER THE FIREWORKS
💚 Give Them Time to Settle
Once the fireworks have stopped, allow your pet time to relax and return to their normal routine. Offer affection, praise or a favourite activity if they’re comfortable with it.
🐕🐈 Every Pet Is Different!
Some pets are completely unfazed by fireworks, while others find them extremely frightening. What works for one animal may not work for another, so be patient and follow their lead.
If your pet experiences severe anxiety around fireworks, speak to your vet in advance about suitable options to help them cope.
💚 Please feel free to share this post to help other pet owners keep their animals safe and comfortable this fireworks season.
🐾 Pet Sitting by Nicola
