Animal Centre Manager shares top tips on how to keep pets safe on Bonfire Night
Animal Centre Manager shares top tips on how to keep pets safe on Bonfire Night
GBN
It’s Bonfire Night weekend and whilst fireworks lighting up the night sky provides annual entertainment for families across Britain, the loud noises and bright lights can also bring terror to many pets.
Animals can adopt a flight or flight response - becoming frozen and shake with fear or bolting to try and find a safe space.
Each species show fear and need comfort in their own unique way, and we spoke to Paul Woodward, the owner of Bridlington Animal Park, which houses 102 types of animal, about how best to keep pets safe on Bonfire Night.
He told GB News: “First thing is get them in nice and early because people are starting [letting off fireworks] really early these days
"Shut any cat flaps so they can’t get out and try and eliminate what a firework is.
“The effect of a firework is lots of noise, lots of sound and lots of light.
"You eliminate those two things and you can keep them safe by keeping [your animal] indoors, keeping it dark, and making a little bit of noise, perhaps turn the radio up, turn the TV up, and obviously lots of cuddles.
“In terms of music, apparently the in thing is reggae and classical, that’s the recommendation this year.”
Fireworks show in a public park with crowd watching at nightGETTYThe RSPCA have conducted research showing that 69 per cent of UK adults are taking measures to help relax their pets and have shared these further tips:
- Walk your dog during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off.
- Move your dog to the safe haven each evening before the fireworks begin. Provide toys and other things that they enjoy in the safe haven.
- Ignore the firework noises yourself. Play with a toy to see if your dog wants to join in, but don't force them to play.
- For cats, provide hiding places in your home .e.g. under furniture or a quiet corner and don't stress your cat by trying to tempt them out. Leave them until they're ready.
Owner of Bridlington Animal Park Paul Woodward
GBN
- Microchip your cats in case they're startled and escape outside.
- For small animals, partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so it's soundproofed and hidden, leaving an area for animals to look out.
- Provide bedding for small animals to burrow in.
- Consider bringing them indoors - this will need to be done gradually, so plan ahead.
The vet charity PDSA sees around 1,300 pets every year with fireworks related issues, such as injuries and phobias and the 2022 PDSA Annual Wellbeing Report found that an estimated 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats in the UK are scared of fireworks.