02/11/2026
FIREWORKS NIGHT
Fireworks can be enjoyable for some people, but for many animals (and people), the sudden loud noises, vibrations and bright flashes can cause significant fear and distress.
As we approach another busy fireworks period, we're resharing some practical advice to help keep pets, horses, livestock and wildlife safe.
Remember, fear of fireworks is not simply an inconvenience. For some animals, it can be a serious welfare concern.
🐱 CATS
Check microchip details are up to date, including your contact information.
Keep cats indoors after dark where possible. For cats accustomed to outdoor access, consider providing additional enrichment, play and suitable toileting facilities.
Close windows, doors and cat flaps to reduce the risk of escape.
Close curtains and use background noise, such as the television or radio, to help reduce the impact of flashes and sudden sounds.
Provide accessible hiding places. Cats may prefer enclosed spaces (like igloos) or somewhere elevated and high up where they feel secure.
Allow cats to choose where they feel safest. Never force them out of hiding or restrain them unnecessarily.
🐶 DOGS
Walk dogs before dark, ideally well before fireworks are expected.
Keep dogs on a lead when outside, including for toileting, in case fireworks go off unexpectedly.
Double lead if necessary.
Check their collar or harness actually fits to avoid them slipping out if they panic.
Check that microchip details are current and that collars and identification tags are secure.
Create a comfortable, quiet space where your dog can retreat. Allow them to come and go freely rather than confining them.
Close curtains and consider familiar background sounds to help mask external noise.
Use calming products if appropriate, recognising that these may not be sufficient for dogs experiencing significant noise-related anxiety.
If safe, comfort your dog if they seek reassurance. You will not reinforce fear simply by offering comfort. Remain calm and allow them to choose whether they want contact.
Check doors, gates and windows carefully to prevent escape.
🐰 SMALL MAMMALS
Consider moving outdoor accommodation into a quieter, sheltered location if this can be done safely without causing additional stress. Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Provide extra bedding and suitable hiding places.
Partially cover enclosures to reduce flashes, ensuring adequate ventilation is maintained.
Move indoor enclosures away from windows where possible.
Keep bonded animals together and maintain familiar routines.
Monitor eating, drinking and behaviour. Reduced appetite, particularly in rabbits and guinea pigs, should never be ignored.
🐴 HORSES
Check whether organised fireworks displays are planned nearby and prepare accordingly.
Maintain familiar routines wherever possible.
Consider whether your horse is safer stabled or turned out, based on their individual temperament and usual management.
Inspect stables, fencing and turnout areas for hazards that could cause injury if a horse becomes frightened.
Ensure identification and emergency contact information are up to date.
If your horse has a history of severe firework anxiety, speak to your veterinary surgeon well in advance about appropriate management and medication.
Arrange suitable supervision and monitoring, while prioritising your own safety around frightened horses.
🐄 LIVESTOCK
Fireworks can cause panic, escape attempts and injuries in livestock.
Never set off fireworks near fields containing livestock.
If you are planning a display, contact nearby farmers and livestock owners well in advance.
Consider the location, noise level and duration of any planned display.
Remember that animals may react unpredictably, even if they have previously appeared unaffected.
🦔 WILDLIFE
Check bonfires thoroughly before lighting them. Hedgehogs and other wildlife may shelter in piles of wood and garden debris.
Ideally, build bonfires immediately before lighting or move the materials to a clear area beforehand.
Avoid fireworks near nature reserves, woodland, nesting or roosting areas and other wildlife habitats.
Dispose of firework debris responsibly to prevent injury, entanglement and ingestion.
🩺 HOW CAN YOUR VETERINARY TEAM HELP?
For animals experiencing significant firework-related anxiety, veterinary support can make an enormous difference.
Some animals benefit from environmental changes and behavioural management, while others require prescribed medication as part of an individualised treatment plan.
If your animal has previously experienced severe fear or panic during fireworks, please don't wait until the night itself to seek veterinary advice.
Effective treatment often requires preparation, and some medications need to be administered before the anticipated noise begins.
If your pet already has prescribed medication, follow your veterinary surgeon's instructions carefully. Never administer human medication or medication prescribed for another animal.
For animals whose anxiety has not been adequately managed this year, consider arranging a veterinary appointment afterwards to develop a longer-term plan.
🎆 PLANNING A FIREWORK DISPLAY? PLEASE CONSIDER THE ANIMALS AROUND YOU.
A little consideration can make an enormous difference.
1. Tell your neighbours in advance.
Let people know the date, approximate start time and expected duration of your display. This gives owners an opportunity to prepare their animals and seek veterinary advice where necessary.
2. Keep displays short and stick to the advertised times.
Unpredictability can make firework-related anxiety particularly difficult to manage. Knowing when a display will finish can help owners plan appropriately.
3. Consider quieter alternatives.
Low-noise fireworks may reduce some of the impact, although they are not silent and can still cause distress. Drone displays, light displays and other alternatives may be worth considering.
4. Think carefully about your location.
Avoid setting off fireworks close to farms, livery yards, animal shelters, wildlife habitats and homes where animals may be particularly vulnerable.
5. Please do not release sky lanterns.
Sky lanterns pose risks of fire, littering, entanglement and injury to livestock and wildlife.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Just because an animal isn't visibly panicking doesn't mean it isn't frightened.
Fear can present in different ways, including hiding, freezing, trembling, pacing, vocalising, attempting to escape or becoming unusually withdrawn.
And while some animals cope relatively well with fireworks, others experience extreme distress.
A little preparation, communication and consideration can make a real difference.
