For children and adults everywhere, Bonfire Night is often a highly anticipated date in the diary. But, while fireworks may be a source of excitement for many of us, they can be a source of anxiety and fear for our furry friends.
“Ahead of this firework season, we recommend thinking about how you can support your pet, especially if you know they get easily scared by loud noises,” says YuMOVE Vet Dr Charlotte. “By thinking ahead, you’ll be able to help them stay as safe and comfortable as possible.”
Firework preparation tips for cats:
- Create a safe space: Make sure your cat has a safe, quiet place to retreat to when the fireworks start. This could be a room in your house, a cosy box or even a pet carrier. Make sure the space is comfortable and secure and provide your cat with a few of their favourite toys or blankets.
- Escape-proof your house: It’s sensible to keep your cat indoors during firework season and to make sure all escape routes are closed off. This includes external doors, windows and the cat flap if you have one. Closing blinds and curtains can help block out bright flashes as well as potential pops and bangs.
- Make sure their microchip is up to date: We recommend checking your cat’s information is up to date. That way, if they do get spooked and run off, they can be easily returned to you.
- Consider a calming supplement: A calming supplement, such as YuMOVE Calming Care for Cats, is another way to help ease your cat’s anxieties during firework season (and all year round!). For the best results, start giving your cat YuMOVE Calming Care around 3-6 weeks before Bonfire Night.
- Keep calm and carry on: While it’s natural to worry about your cat, avoid making a fuss of them unless they seek out your attention. If your cat has taken themself off to a quiet place, let them hide away uninterrupted. They’ll come out when they’re ready.
Firework preparation tips for dogs:
- Exercise: Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before the fireworks start. This will help them burn off excess energy. Walk them in a safe place and keep them on the lead as a precaution so they can’t run off.
- Create a safe space: Just like cats, dogs can benefit from a quiet, comfortable place to retreat to when the fireworks start. This could be a room in your house, a space behind the sofa or even their crate. You could also try placing a blanket over the crate to dull any sound further.
- Play music: Relaxing music, which drowns out outside noise, can help to keep your pet calm. Classical music can be particularly effective.
- Provide distractions: A new toy, yummy treat or a relaxing pamper session can be effective ways of dealing with anxiety and reassuring your pet there’s nothing to fear.
- Consider a dog calming supplement: Made with natural, scientifically proven ingredients, YuMOVE Calming Care for Dogs helps reduce stress and support calm behaviour. For the best results, start giving your dog YuMOVE Calming Care around 3-6 weeks before Bonfire Night.
