This week three animal welfare charities, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre and Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, unite to call on local people in the Bristol, Bath and North-East Somerset, West Wiltshire and Gloucestershire area to plan ahead for pet welfare this Bonfire Night.
A 2022 impact survey by the RSPCA found that 76% of respondents reported their dogs experiencing distress as a result of fireworks. Also 64% of cats show at least one stress response to fireworks according to Cats Protection’s 2023 research. On average the RSPCA receives around 400 calls a year relating to fireworks in England and Wales.
The charities advise that people can help keep pets safe and well this firework season by getting prepared before the big bangs start:
- Find out when the nearest firework displays are happening,
- Make a safe space or den for your pet in their favourite place,
- Prepare treats, games and toys ready to distract pets during louder fireworks evenings,
- Make sure your pet can’t escape outside if they are spooked by loud bangs,
- Set up a pheromone diffuser near their bed or den to help them stay calm,
- If you know your pet is stressed by fireworks, visit your vet before Bonfire Night to seek advice on medication.
- On Bonfire Night pet owners can help their pets by keeping cats indoors, providing a litter tray and some safe areas to hide.
- Walk dogs early before the fireworks begin and go with them into the garden if they need to go outside.
- If possible, make sure your pet isn’t left alone and play relaxing music to distract pets from loud fireworks, such as, Classic FM’s Pet Classics show in partnership with the RSPCA.
- Try playing a game with your pet to keep them busy or distract them with a treat.
- Don’t tempt your cat or dog out of a hiding spot, let them stay inside until they’re ready to leave.
During the fireworks pet owners can lookout for signs of stress in your pets such as shivering and trembling, excessive barking, hiding, clinginess, pacing, crying or excessive panting. Staying close and offering your pet reassurance during Bonfire Night will help to reduce their anxiety.
Julie Stone, Head of Animal Operations at Bath Cats and Dogs Home, added, “Don’t get caught out this Bonfire Night, plan ahead to help your pets feel calm and safe before the fireworks start. Always give your pets somewhere quiet to retreat to if they feel nervous about loud fireworks. Making a den or safe space like a covered crate with a familiar scent, such as a piece of your clothing, can help.
“We recommend closing all doors, windows and curtains, creating a calm environment with some music, and keeping your routine as normal as possible.”
Bristol Animal Rescue Centre’s Animal Home Manager, Jodie Hayward, said, “Each animal’s response to fireworks is different, but some pets might tremble, shut down, or freeze. Some might panic, causing physical injury to themselves or others around them, or damage furniture. They may try to escape or run away. It can be distressing for pet owners to see, especially if you’re unprepared.”
Haley Medlock, Fundraising Manager at Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home, said, “As pet owners, we all want our animals to feel safe and secure, especially during stressful times like Bonfire Night. During fireworks season we support the animals in our care by providing quiet spaces, using calming diffusers, and playing soothing music to reduce anxiety. We encourage pet owners to do the same by preparing in advance to keep pets as comfortable as possible.’
As branches of the RSPCA, Bath Cats and Dogs Home, cares for over seven hundred rescue cats and dogs each year from across Bath and North-East Somerset and West Wiltshire. Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, serves Bristol and surrounding areas and rehomed 481 animals last year. Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home rehomed 250 animals last year and covers Gloucestershire.
For more advice on pet welfare this firework season visit Bath Cats and Dogs Home’s blog at www.bcdh.org.uk/blog or visit www.bristolarc.org.uk or www.cdch.org.uk to find out more about Bristol Animal Rescue Centre or Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home.