How To Keep Your Pets Safe On Bonfire Night
Remember, remember the 5th November. Not just for it's rhyme and how it lights up the sky, but also for how to keep your pets safe on bonfire night. As bonfire nights is a wary time for pet owners, planning ahead makes sense. The Preloved team can both empathise and sympathise around keeping your pets safe and happy on bonfire night. Whilst communities asks their residents to be considerate of their neighbours and their pets while enjoying bonfire night; unfortunately some just aren't.
The UK's current firework regulations permit you from letting fireworks off between 11pm - 7am; this is extended to midnight on bonfire night. The Preloved team promote that you head to an event and keep the fireworks out of your back garden, but if you know your neighbours will be setting them off here are some tips to keep your pets safe.
Easy Solutions to Help Keep Pets Safe on Bonfire Night
Throughout the festivities the easiest way to keep a watchful eye on your pets is to keep them inside, during the celebrations. This way they don't get spooked when out and about but also they don't get near those who don't understand fire safety/the dangers of fireworks. This links nicely to making sure you walk your dogs during daylight hours, to avoid the firework displays. For your cats once you have gotten them inside make sure that the cat flap is locked. For outdoor pets we understand it may be harder to get them to come inside, but if you can great, if not turn their hutches to the wall and cover with blankets to protect their eyes, and sound proof their space.
Distract! You might find that is works to crank the tele up a bit louder than usual so that your pets have an additional noise to focus on. Drawing the blinds or curtains can also help, under the same premise of sound proofing.
Additional Solutions to Help Keep Pets Safe on Bonfire Night
Sometimes it is unavoidable for you not to take your pet out with you, if this is the case ensure that they are wearing visible identification; just in case they do get spooked. Whilst we highly advise you keep your pet inside, if you are having the do the latter ensure that your pet is microchipped and has up to date contact details. Where possible avoid leaving your pet on their own during the time that you know firework displays will be happening. We understand this might not be the simplest solution but your pets will look for comfort and usually they'll find it in you; meaning it'll make their night much easier if you are there.
It might seem simple but if you find your pet hiding under a coffee table, chair, in a corner etc... Don't move them, instead bring them some of their comfort items, toys, pillows, treats etc... Another must is not to shout at them, whilst it can be uncomfortable to see you pet like this and you want to them to understand they're safe with you, getting frustrated won't help the situation.
Solutions for Horses Specifically
Similarly to other outdoor pets you need to bring your horse inside if possible. If you have a stabled horse then it makes sense to keep it stabled and in it's familiar environment. Check thoroughly that there isn't anything protruding such as nails or string to limit potential injury. If your horse is staying in a field make sure that the fields have been checked and the fencing is secure. If possible make sure that someone who is experienced with horses stays with your horse.
Prevention
If you have previously found that your pet can get really distressed then plan ahead and speak with your vet. They might be able to offer your pet some sedation or pheromone sprays to help. Finally make sure that you are knowledgeable of your local events and displays so that you know when your pet could be exposed to the sounds and lights, otherwise all the other solutions are obsolete. Simply put do not take your pet to a firework display, or leave them outside unattended.
