Although many people enjoy fireworks, it is widely recognized that animals are generally frightened of them. Here are a few tips to help minimize the distress caused to your pet when fireworks are being let off.

Small pets

Sometimes, we tend to forget our small pets that live in outside pens such as rabbits and guinea pigs when it comes to fireworks, but they can get frightened by the noises and flashes of fireworks.

If you can, try to move their hutches into a quieter part of the garden or better still move them into sheds or garages to minimise the effect of the fireworks.

Give them extra bedding so that they can hide if they want to.

Small indoor pets such as birds and hamsters may also get frightened, so closing the curtains, switching the lights on and having the TV or radio on may help.

Dogs and cats

Bring your cat or dog indoors well before the fireworks start, remembering to close and lock any cat or dog flaps so that your pet cannot escape.

Make sure that your cat or dog is micro chipped, so that if they do escape, they can be identified and returned to you. A collar with your details on it is also useful (and law for dogs when they are in public places).

Close your widows and doors, draw your curtains and switch on lights and put the television or radio on, as these measures will help lessen the noise and flashes of the fireworks.

Your pet may try to find somewhere to hide, such as under a bed or in a cupboard, if you know that your pet does this when they are frightened, put their blanket or favourite toy there for them.

If you can, stay in with your pet and try not to react to either the fireworks or their behaviour, because if your pet senses that you are upset, they may get more worried.

Wait until the fireworks have all finished before letting your pet out or taking them for their final walk of the day.

Horses and Farm Animals

Check with your neighbours if they are planning to have fireworks parties and so that you can plan in advance how best to care for your animals.

Politely ask your neighbours to have their party as far away from where your animals are as possible, explaining your reasons why.

Move your animals to the quietest part of you property or, if possible, move them to a quieter location altogether.

If you know that your pet is very scared of fireworks, it may be worthwhile speaking to your vet who may be able to help, by recommending CDs that slowly get your pet used to loud noises or Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) products that help to calm your pet.

Finally, please do not forget wildlife, if you are having a firework party with a bonfire, build the bonfire as late as possible and check that no animals such as hedgehogs have made their homes in the bonfire.