Fireworks and Pets: Helping Our Four-Legged Friends Feel Safe

As fireworks light up the night sky, bringing colour and excitement to celebrations, it’s important to remember that not everyone enjoys the noise and bright flashes. For many of our beloved pets, fireworks season can be a frightening and stressful time.

While we might look forward to Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and other celebrations, the loud bangs, unexpected noises and flashes of light can leave animals – and some humans – feeling anxious, confused and unsettled.

At RNN Group, we understand the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet care. With Animal Care courses available at Dearne Valley College, we recognise the value of developing knowledge and skills that help us understand animals’ needs and ensure they receive the best possible care.

Why are fireworks frightening for pets?

Animals often have much more sensitive hearing than humans. What sounds like an exciting celebration to us can be overwhelming for dogs, cats and other animals.

Common signs of fireworks-related anxiety include:

• Shaking, trembling or hiding.
• Barking, whining or meowing more than usual.
• Pacing, panting or restlessness.
• Trying to escape or running away.
• Changes in eating habits or toilet behaviour.
• Becoming unusually clingy or withdrawn.

It’s not just dogs and cats that can be affected. Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, as well as horses and livestock, can also become distressed by loud noises.

Five ways to help keep your pets safe

1. Create a safe space

Give your pet somewhere quiet and comfortable to retreat to. This could be a familiar bed, a covered crate (if they are already comfortable using one), or a quiet room away from windows. Classic FM’s Pet Classics broadcasts three special evening programmes from 5pm to 10pm on 5th, 6th and 7th November to help animals stay calm during the firework season! 

For smaller animals, ensure hutches and enclosures are secure and consider providing extra bedding and hiding places.

2. Keep them indoors where possible

Walk dogs before fireworks are expected and keep cats indoors during busy fireworks periods. Make sure doors, windows and gates are secure to prevent frightened pets from escaping.

3. Reduce the noise and flashes

Close curtains and windows to block out flashes and reduce noise. Putting on the television or playing calming background music can also help create a more relaxing environment.

4. Stay calm and offer reassurance

Your pet will often look to you for reassurance. Remain calm, speak gently and let them choose whether they want comfort or somewhere to hide. Never punish an animal for showing signs of fear.

5. Plan ahead

If your pet has previously struggled with fireworks, speak to your vet in advance. They can offer advice on suitable calming strategies and, where appropriate, treatment options.

Remember to check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date, too, just in case they manage to escape.

What can we learn from animal care?

Understanding animal behaviour is an important part of providing good animal care. Recognising signs of stress, knowing how different species respond to their surroundings and understanding how to create safe environments are all valuable skills.

At RNN Group, our animal care courses offer students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical skills in animal welfare, behaviour and responsible care.

Whether students are considering a future career working with animals or simply have a passion for animal welfare, learning how to understand and support animals is an important first step.

A little preparation makes a big difference

Fireworks are a source of enjoyment for many people, but taking a few simple precautions can make the season much more comfortable for our animal companions.

By planning ahead, understanding animal behaviour and putting their welfare first, we can help ensure that celebrations are enjoyable for everyone – including our four-legged, feathered and furry friends!

Interested in learning more about animal care?

Find out more about the courses available at RNN Group and discover how you could turn your passion for animals into valuable knowledge and future career opportunities.

Let’s make this fireworks season a little kinder to our pets.