Keeping Pets Fireworks Safe
Animals have very acute hearing. Loud bangs and whistles may cause them actual pain in their ears. But by following these simple guidelines your pet need not suffer.
Every year hundreds of animals will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off. The SPCA and vet clinics across the country see a marked rise in pets requiring medication during such stressful times, and many animals are brought into SPCA adoption centres having run away from home. Here is some advice to help your animals cope:
Dogs and cats
- Always keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off. Walk your dog before the fireworks start.
- Close all windows and doors, and block off cat flaps to stop pets escaping and to keep noise to a minimum. Draw the curtains, and if the animals are used to the sounds of TV or radio, switch them on.
- Ensure dogs are wearing some form of easily readable identification (ID) – even in the house. By law, they should have at least a collar and tag. Think about fitting pets with a microchip, so that if they do run away they have a better chance of being quickly reunited with you.
- Prepare a ‘den’ for your pet where it can feel safe and comfortable – perhaps under a bed with some of your old clothes. It may like to hide there when the fireworks start.
- Let your pet pace around, whine, miaow and hide in a corner if it wants to. Do not try to coax it out – it’s just trying to find safety, and should not be disturbed.
- Try not to cuddle and comfort distressed pets as they will think you are worried too, and this may make the problem worse. Instead stay relaxed, act normally and praise calm behaviour.
- Avoid leaving your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find it has been destructive after being left on its own. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make it more stressed.
- Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop, in the garden, or in your car.
- Never take your dog to a fireworks display. Even if it doesn’t bark or whimper at the noise, it doesn’t mean it is happy. Excessive panting and yawning can sometimes indicate that your dog is stressed.
Small Animals
- Rabbits, guinea pigs, Chin Chillas, mice, and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened.
- Hutches/cages and enclosures should, if possible, be brought into a quiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
- If you cannot bring your pet’s hutch inside, you should turn its enclosure around so that it faces a wall or fence instead of the open garden.
- Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe.
- Cover any aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and deaden the sound of the bangs – but make sure there is enough ventilation.
Horses and other Livestock
- Fireworks must not be set off near livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings housing livestock. Anyone planning a firework display in a rural area should warn neighbouring farmers in advance.
- Try to make sure that fireworks are never set off near your horse’s field or stable. Tell neighbours and local fireworks display organisers there are horses nearby, so that they can ensure fireworks are set off in the opposite direction and well away from them.
- Keep your horse in its familiar environment, in its normal routine with any companions to make it feel secure. If your horse is usually stabled then keep it stabled. If it is normally out in the field, keep it there as long as it is safe, secure and not near the fireworks’ display area.
- Ensure that you or someone experienced stays with your horse if you know fireworks are being set off. This way you can observe its behaviour, ensure it remains as safe and calm as possible and respond to its reactions appropriately.
- If you know your horse reacts badly to loud noises speak to your vet or perhaps consider moving your horse for the night.
- Try to remain calm and positive as horses can sense unease in a person and this might make things worse if the horse is startled.
- Be careful yourself. Try not to get in the way if your horse becomes startled, as you may get hurt.
- Don’t take the risk of riding when you think fireworks might be set off.
- If it is necessary for you to leave your horse in the care of another person during a fireworks show, leave clear instructions and contact details for yourself and your vet should any problems arise.
The law concerning fireworks
It is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal and any breaches must be reported to the SPCA or the Police.
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase fireworks from a retailer.
Unless retailers possess a special licence they may only sell fireworks up until 5 November.