Bonfire Night

We all know that most dogs and cats hate the bangs and whizzes from fireworks but may be less sure on how to minimise their distress. Here are some tips:

Keep pets indoors, close your curtains, keep lights on, turn the television up and play music throughout the house to disguise the noise and flashes.

Provide a comfortable hiding place with pillows and bedding to deaden the sound. If your pet seeks sanctuary in this safe place leave him there. If you fuss or reassure a scared dog you reward his fearful behaviour. Instead provide distracting toys and pretend that there is absolutely no noise at all. Pets pick up on our body language so any changes we display can make them nervous.

It’s not just cats and dogs who suffer at this time of year though. If you keep horses, ensure they are stabled. Goats’ hearing ability is many, many more times that of ours so they need to be kept safe too. Even fish can be scared of sound and vibration. You might want to bring pet rabbits inside too.

Some pet experts say that playing classical music is the best way to blot out Bonfire Night sounds. So make friends with Mozart and do your animals a favour this year.