‘Tis the season where the sky is lit up in a vibrant array of colours. Katy Perry’s song “Cause baby you’re a firework, come on, let your colours burst!” rises in scattered chorus on radios, in stores, amongst friends and as a hum in your mind at random.
Bonfire night, also known as fireworks night, is a time of celebration marking the historic Gunpowder Plot with dazzling firework displays and gatherings around warm fires. For many, it is a night filled with joy and community spirit.
Fireworks and Pets
While the sky dazzles above, for our furry friends, it can feel like the complete opposite. The night can be full of loud bangs and bright flashes that may trigger anxiety, confusion, or panic. It can cause physical reactions like shaking, hiding, or trying to escape.
Recognising these signs early can help you respond with empathy and care.
Keeping Pets Safe At Home
There are many simple, proactive steps that you can take to make Bonfire Night less frightening for your pets. This includes whether you are staying home or heading out to enjoy the celebrations elsewhere.
Before The Fireworks
- Walk dogs earlier in the evening, or late afternoon. This way, they will be settled before the firework displays begin.
- Let outdoor pets or cats in early and secure all doors, windows, and cat flaps.
- Bring small animals inside. Pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, or rats and mice can be impacted greatly by loud sounds like firework explosions. If you are unable to bring them inside, a solid alternative is to cover their enclosures with thick blankets to muffle sound while keeping ventilation
During The Fireworks
- Create a quiet, cosy space for your furry friends indoors with their favourite items, blankets, and toys.
- Play gentle background sounds like soft music, white noise, or put on their favourite show to mask the sudden firework explosions. ClassicFM’s Pet Classics on November 5th is a lovely option created especially to relax and comfort pets through the night’s celebrations.
- Stay calm. Pets often mirror our emotions. They watch and take cues from you on how you respond, leading up to and during the firework displays. Your relaxed presence can be grounding.
- Ignore the fireworks yourself. If you choose to stay in, avoid over-comforting in a way that reinforces fears. Instead, provide calm assurance and company for your pets.
- If they hide, let them. Many animals find safety in small, enclosed spaces. Check on them every now and then, but don’t force them out.
After The Fireworks
- Keep your pets indoors until you are sure that the fireworks have stopped.
- Continue to offer gentle reassurance or playtime to restore a sense of calm and safety once things have quietened down.
A Safe Space For All: The Addroom
Bonfire Night doesn’t have to mean choosing between enjoying the evening and keeping your pets safe. With a space like an Addroom, everyone in the family can experience the night in comfort.
An Addroom is a stylish, insulated home extension and a modern alternative to a conservatory.
While your pets stay safe and relaxed inside the main house, children (and adults too!) can head into the Addroom extension to admire the fireworks through its glazed windows.
It becomes a little viewing haven. The space is warm with insulated 140mm walls, secure with a 12-point door locking system, and close enough to feel part of the celebrations without the loudness or wintery chill of the outdoors. The natural light during the day and the night sky views in the evening make the Addroom a versatile and perfect year-round extension.
Missing Or Distressed Pets Resources
Establishing safety spaces in the home so that your pet is comfortable is invaluable. However, sometimes an unexpected turn of events can occur where your furry friend goes missing or you notice that a pet in your local area is distressed with no owner nearby.
Here are some useful key UK contacts and resources, for enquiries or advice:
- Contact your local dog warden or animal welfare team through the Environmental or Regulatory Service at your local Borough Council. View your local council here to raise a report.
- Petlog (microchip database) – If your pet is missing, call 01296 737600 to report them as missing. Or call 01296 336579 for general enquiries.
- Animal Search UK – The national lost and found pet database in the UK. You can register that your pet is missing, for free.
- Check the local area. Contact your local veterinary surgery, rehoming centres, kennels or nearby animal hospitals.
Enjoy The Night
Remember, Bonfire Night is about togetherness. Whether wrapped in blankets under the stars, surrounded by laughter at a community event, or even having a cosy night in with your pets. However, you spend it by preparing in advance, we can make sure everyone, paws included, enjoy the warmth of the season safely and peacefully.
Ready To Pet Safe Your Home?
Explore our Addroom conservatory alternatives range today and discover a seamless extension for your home.
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Need More Information? We’re Here to Help!
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