Fireworks and pets: keeping dogs and cats calm on Bonfire Night

Before it gets dark

• Walk dogs in daylight. Go out early, and make sure they've been to the toilet before the evening begins.
• Keep cats indoors from late afternoon, with a litter tray, food, water and somewhere to hide.
• Check your microchip details are up to date. Frightened pets can bolt, and a current chip is how a lost pet gets home.
• Never leave them tied up or in the garden where there's a risk of fireworks nearby.

Make a safe place

Let your dog or cat choose where they feel safest, and make it easy to get to. A crate covered with a blanket, a space under a table or a cosy corner all work. Don't block the exit: some pets cope better knowing they can leave if they need to. Cats often prefer to hide up high or in a wardrobe; let them.

During the display

• Close windows and curtains, and put the TV or radio on at a steady volume to soften the sound.
• Behave normally. Calm, ordinary behaviour tells them there's nothing to worry about.
• Comfort them if they ask for it, but don't force interaction. Never scold or punish a fearful pet.
• Try a chew, lick mat or favourite toy to give a dog something to do.
• Stay at home if you can. A frightened animal is safest with company.

If your pet is very distressed

Some pets need more than a quiet room. If your dog or cat has panicked in previous years, speak to your vet now, not on the night. Your vet can look at options and a longer-term plan, such as desensitisation training with a qualified behaviourist, ahead of next year.

Afterwards

Check the garden for debris before you let pets out in the morning, as spent fireworks can be hazardous. And remember that fireworks can go on for several nights around 5 November, so keep your plan in place for the whole week.

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