19 Oct Simple ways to keep your pets relaxed during firework season

Our guide to keeping your pets calm this firework season

Bonfire Night might mean sparklers, toasty evenings and a sky full of colour for us. But for our pets? Those unexpected bangs and flashes can feel a little more like the world has gone completely bonkers.

Whether you have a dog who trembles at every bang, a cat who disappears under the bed, or a rabbit who suddenly finds the back of their hutch very interesting, fireworks season can be a worrying time for our four-legged family members.

The good news? A little preparation can go a long way.

At 4Paws Pet Insurance, we know that pets aren’t just pets. They’re part of the family. And while we can’t stop the fireworks, there are plenty of things we can do to help our furry friends feel safer, calmer and more comfortable whist the bangs go off overhead.

So, before the first rocket lights up the sky, here’s how to make fireworks season a little less frightening for your pets.

Dogs owners – Create a little calm amid the chaos

Some dogs barely bat an eyelid at fireworks. Others might shake, pant, pace around the house or desperately look for somewhere to hide. Every dog is different, so the trick is to work out what helps yours feel safe.

Here are our top tips:

1. Get their walk in early

A peaceful daytime stroll is much better than a last-minute dash around the block when the fireworks have started. Aim to walk your dog before dark, and keep them on a lead in case an early bang spooks them. Even confident dogs can bolt when frightened. It’s also worth checking that your garden is secure before letting them out for a toilet break.

2. Make a cosy corner for them to hideaway

Think of it as your dog’s very own den of tranquillity. Choose a quiet spot away from windows and make it comfortable with their favourite blankets and toys. If they already have a crate or a favourite hiding place, make sure they can access it freely. Let your dog decide where they feel safest. Some will curl up in their den, while others might prefer to snooze beside you on the sofa.

3. Turn down the noise

You might not be able to silence the fireworks outside, but you can help soften the impact indoors. Close the windows and curtains, then put the television or radio on at a comfortable volume to help mask sudden bangs. You could also try calming music or a pet-friendly programme, such as Pet Classics on Classic FM. The aim isn’t to drown everything out with a wall of noise. It’s to create a familiar, soothing background that helps your dog settle.

4. Follow their lead

Some dogs want to be close to their favourite human. Others would rather retreat to a quiet corner until everything settles down. It’s important to remain calm, keep your routine as normal as possible and let your dog choose how much interaction they want. If they seek reassurance, offer it gently. If they’d rather have some space, let them be.

Whatever you do, don’t tell them off for being frightened. They’re not being naughty; they’re having a difficult time.

If your dog becomes extremely distressed every fireworks season, speak to your vet well before the next big display. They can help you explore suitable ways to manage their anxiety.

Cat owners – Let them hide, snooze and do their own thing

Cats are famously independent. But when fireworks start popping outside, even the most confident feline might decide that under the bed is the only sensible place to be.

And honestly? That’s perfectly fine. Hiding is a natural way for cats to cope with scary situations. Your job is to make sure they have somewhere safe to retreat to.

1. Keep them safely indoors

If your cat usually enjoys outdoor adventures, bring them inside before it gets dark on fireworks nights. Close windows, secure cat flaps and check that doors are shut properly. A frightened cat can make a dash for freedom before you’ve even realised what’s happened.

2. Let them find their favourite hiding spot

Under the bed? Behind the sofa? In that one wardrobe they somehow always manage to squeeze into? Let them choose.

Provide a few quiet hiding places around the house, with soft bedding or familiar blankets where possible. Don’t drag your cat out of hiding to reassure them. Knowing they can retreat somewhere undisturbed can help them feel more secure. And if your cat decides to emerge for a cuddle, consider yourself honoured – we know it can be rare!

3. Shut out the flashes

Close the curtains or blinds to reduce the bright flashes from fireworks, and keep windows closed to help soften the noise. A familiar background sound from the television or radio can also help create a calmer atmosphere.

4. Check their microchip details

Even with the best precautions, frightened cats can sometimes slip outside. Make sure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, including your current contact information. It’s a small job that could make a big difference if your cat goes missing!

Don’t worry if your cat spends most of the evening hiding. As long as they’re somewhere safe and have access to their essentials, giving them space can be the kindest thing you do.

Rabbit owners – Don’t forget these little animals have big feelings

Rabbits might be small, but their fear of loud noises is no small matter. As prey animals, rabbits can be particularly sensitive to sudden sounds and unfamiliar activity. Fireworks can be frightening, so a little extra care is especially important.

Here’s how to help your bunnies feel safer.

1. Find them a quiet spot

If your rabbits live outdoors, consider moving their hutch or enclosure to a quieter, sheltered area for fireworks night, provided you can do so safely and without causing additional stress. A suitable shed, garage or indoor space may help reduce the noise, but it must be well ventilated and a comfortable temperature. Keep rabbits away from exhaust fumes, smoke and other hazards.

If moving them isn’t practical, think about ways to reduce the noise and flashes where they live.

2. Make their home extra cosy

Hay. Hay. And more hay. Give your rabbits plenty of bedding so they can burrow, hide and settle down. You can partially cover their hutch with a thick blanket to help muffle the noise and block flashes, but always leave enough ventilation and make sure they can’t chew the covering.

3. Keep bonded bunny buddies together

If your rabbits are happily bonded, keep them together. Their companion’s familiar presence can provide comfort when things get noisy. Avoid unnecessary changes to their routine, and make sure they have access to the essentials – fresh water, hay and their usual hiding places.

4. Keep a close eye on them

Watch for changes in your rabbits’ behaviour, eating habits and droppings. Stress can affect rabbits’ health, and refusing food or producing fewer droppings can be a sign of a serious problem.

Rabbits often feel safest when their surroundings stay familiar. Whenever possible, prepare their space in advance instead of making lots of changes once the fireworks have begun.

Early preparation is key

Fireworks season is full of excitement for some of us, but for our pets, it can be a confusing and frightening time. The reassuring part? You don’t need to do anything extraordinary to make a difference. A familiar blanket, a quiet hiding place, an early walk or simply sitting nearby can help your pet feel that little bit safer.

Every animal responds differently, so pay attention to what works for yours. Some will want extra cuddles; others will prefer to keep their distance until the noise stops. Both are perfectly okay.

We believe that looking after our pets means caring about the big things as well as the little things too.

Here’s to an enjoyable, calm and safe fireworks season.