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While people don’t tend to think twice about Bonfire Night on November 5, pet owners prepare in advance to ensure their pets are kept safe and happy with the sounds of loud fireworks outside.

To help pet owners scared of how their fur babies may react to the loud and unknown noises of fireworks, whether it’s your otherwise docile cat or a farm animal, thortful.com has teamed up with the RSPCA to give pet owners tips to keep them calm on Bonfire Night.

Fireworks might not be scary to us, but animals are unable to distinguish the sound from something dangerous. There is a risk unless you prepare to care for your animal, that the sound of fireworks can trigger the animal’s flight or fight response – something which can be dangerous if the situation is not handled with care. So, what are some things you can do for your pet?

Stay warm and cosy inside

While people don’t tend to think twice about Bonfire Night on November 5, pet owners prepare in advance to ensure their pets are kept safe and happy with the sounds of loud fireworks outside.

It might not come as a surprise that it’s best to keep your pet indoors; this applies just as much to horses and cattle as it does to dogs and cats. Keeping the animals inside the stables or your house can help them feel safer and reduces the risk of them harming themselves. For barn animals, it could be smart to throw covers over the windows so that the animals don’t see the flashing lights.

Soundproof your home

The best way to prevent your animals from getting anxious is by soundproofing your home and your barn/stables. This could be done by closing all windows and doors and making sure the animals are as far away from any openings as possible to avoid the sound. You could also put on some relaxing music for the animals to keep them distracted from the noise outside.

Distract them

Give your pets and animals something to focus on other than the fireworks. This could be a new toy or even some food. With a dog, you could even try to keep them focussed on you by trying to teach them some new tricks. It’s important to bear in mind that not all animals will want to be in close contact with you during fireworks, so it might simply be enough for you to be near them, but not in contact.

Whether or not you have already planned out how to keep your pet and animals safe this Bonfire Night, it’s always good to keep in mind that every animal reacts differently. It’s important to accommodate them to the best of your abilities, and not panic if your animals become anxious.

RSPCA's best tips for caring for your pets this Bonfire Night