For most of us, Bonfire Night means sparklers, toffee apples and a crowd around the bonfire. For many dogs and cats, it means sudden bangs, bright flashes and whistling noises they can't understand. And with displays running for days either side of the 5th, plus more around New Year, it can be a long and stressful few weeks.
You can't stop the fireworks, but you can make a real difference to how your pet copes. A little preparation now, and a calm routine on the night, helps them feel safe at home while the sky is noisy outside.
Signs your pet is frightened
Fear doesn't always look the same. Watch out for:
- Dogs: panting, pacing, trembling, whining or barking, tucking the tail, trying to hide, clinging to you, or trying to get out of the house.
- Cats: hiding under beds or in cupboards, flattened ears, wide eyes, refusing food, or staying away from the litter tray.
Some pets show only small signs, so it's worth keeping an eye on them even if they seemed fine last year.
Before the night: get ready early
1. Set up a safe den
Give your pet a cosy hiding place in the quietest room of the house, ideally an inside room with few windows. Fill it with familiar bedding and a worn jumper that smells of you. Many dogs feel safer in a covered space, and our Pet Teepee makes a ready-made den. A soft, deep bed like the Calming Plush Mat or Fleece Snuggle Basket gives them somewhere to curl up and burrow.
Cats like to get up high or tucked away. A covered bed such as the Rattan Ball Cat Bed or the Cardboard Cat House gives them a hiding spot of their own. Set the den up a few days early so it already feels like theirs.
2. Check ID and microchip details
Frightened pets sometimes bolt. Make sure your dog's collar has an ID tag with your name and address, and check that your dog's or cat's microchip details are up to date with your current phone number. It only takes a few minutes and could make all the difference.
3. Find out when local displays are
Check local Facebook groups, your council website and posters for organised displays near you, so you can plan your evening around them.
4. Talk to your vet if your pet is very anxious
If your pet has struggled badly with fireworks in the past, speak to your vet now rather than on the night. They can talk you through options that suit your pet. We're a pet shop, not vets, so for anything to do with your pet's health, your vet is always the best person to ask.
On the day: a calm routine
5. Walk dogs early, while it's still light
Take your dog out for a good walk in the afternoon, well before the fireworks start. Keep them on the lead, even in places where they'd normally run free, as a sudden bang can make even a steady dog bolt. If you are out as it gets dark, a rechargeable LED collar helps you keep sight of your dog, and a well-fitting harness like our Everyday No-Pull Harness is harder to slip out of than a collar alone.
6. Feed a little earlier
Give your pet their evening meal before the noise begins. Many anxious animals won't eat once the fireworks start.
7. Keep cats indoors
Bring cats in before dark and keep them in for the night. Close the cat flap, and make sure there's a litter tray, food and water inside.
8. Shut out the noise and flashes
Close windows, curtains and blinds before dusk. Put the TV or radio on at a normal volume to soften the bangs. Close doors to the outside and check that garden gates are shut, in case your pet slips out.
9. Give them something to chew
For many dogs, chewing is naturally soothing. A long-lasting natural chew such as our Natural Buffalo Ears or a Buffalo Horn Chew can keep them busy and settled while the display goes on. Always supervise your dog with chews.
10. Stay calm and let them hide
If your pet wants to hide, let them. Don't pull them out of their den. It's fine to comfort a frightened pet if they come to you, so sit with them, speak softly and stroke them if they want it. Try to stay relaxed yourself, as pets pick up on our mood. And never tell them off for being scared.
Frequently asked questions
Is it OK to comfort my dog during fireworks?
Yes. Comforting a frightened dog won't make the fear worse. Let them come to you, stay calm, and give them the reassurance they're looking for.
Should I leave my pet alone on Bonfire Night?
If you can, try to stay home with them, especially during the busiest hours of the evening. If you have to go out, make sure their den is set up, doors and windows are closed, and the radio or TV is on.
My cat is hiding and won't come out. What should I do?
Leave them be. Hiding is how cats feel safe. Make sure they can reach food, water and a litter tray, and they'll come out once things are quiet.
How long does fireworks season last?
In the UK, fireworks are often heard for a week or two around Bonfire Night, around Diwali, and again over New Year. It's worth keeping your routine going until things settle down.
A calmer night for everyone
A cosy den, an early walk and a quiet, closed-up house go a long way. With a bit of planning, your dog or cat can get through the noisy evenings feeling safe and settled at home.
Getting your home ready for the colder months? Browse our Winter Edit for cosy beds, walking essentials and more, with free UK delivery on every order.