Bonfire Night - How To Look After Your Pet On This Frightening Night

Bonfire Night - How To Look After Your Pet On This Frightening Night

Posted by Connor Whelan on 5th Nov 2016

It is a highlight in the calendar for many people, but for the four legged members of our families Bonfire Night can cause nothing but stress and worry. With animals having very acute hearing, the loud bangs and whistles that accompany fireworks can cause them actual pain in their ears, and as a result their levels of stress and worry increase even more.

Fortunately though, there are things you can do to lessen the impact that fireworks can have on your pet, so if you have a dog, cat, horse, or even hamster, please take the time to read our advice on how to keep your pet safe through a night which is extremely frightening for them.

Dogs and Cats – Keeping Them Safe

Dog and Cat

  • Always keep your dogs and cats inside during bonfire night (and nights either side of the event itself)
  • Walk your dog earlier in the day before the fireworks begin
  • Ensure all windows, doors, and even catflaps are secured to keep the noise to a minimum
  • Make sure your pet has a form of identification on them such as a collar or I.D chip so that if the worst were to happen and your pet bolted during the fireworks, you would be able to relocated them more easily
  • Prepare a den for your pet to seek shelter in and create a space within which they can feel safe. Under your bed with some of your old clothes is a good place to start
  • Most importantly, try to avoid leaving your pets alone during this time as your presence will be comforting for them

Small Pets (Hamsters, Rabbits, Birds) – Keeping Them Safe

Rabbit

  • Bring your pets hutch/cage/enclosure inside if it is not already to limit the noise the animal will be subject to. This does not have to be in your house, but could be a quiet shed or garage if they are available
  • Give your pet extra bedding so that it can burrow down and feel safe
  • If you are unable to bring your pet inside for any reason, turn the enclosure around so that it is facing a wall or a fence instead of an open expanse
  • If you have a bird as a pet, you should cover its aviary with a towel or cloth to deaden the bangs, but please make sure that there is still enough ventilation for the bird
  • Should you be hosting a bonfire in your garden, please check under the wood pile as animals such as hedgehogs like to burrow down inside these conveniently placed hedgehog sized homes!

Horses – Keeping Them Safe

Horses

  • Try to ensure that fireworks are never set off near a field that contains horses (or any other livestock for that matter)
  • Keep your horse in a familiar environment as sticking to their usual routine will give them peace of mind
  • If you know that your horse does react badly to loud noises however, consider consulting your vet or moving it to a different location for the night
  • Do not risk riding your horse when you know fireworks may be set off nearby
  • If you must leave your horse in the care of another person during firework season, then make sure you leave clear notes on how to best look after them

Please take a moment to think about the animals when you are enjoying yourself this bonfire night, and if you can do anything to help an animal in distress, make sure you do!


Share this Article...

Share this article with your friends and followers by using the social media buttons below.


Leave a Comment...

Wanting to add something to this story or just let us know your thoughts? Just leave your comments below. Please be aware that all comments will be moderated: abusive behaviour or self-promotion will not be allowed.

500 characters remaining

Has this blog inspired you to volunteer? If so, why not enquire today? Simply fill out an enquiry form, and allow a member of our travel team to assist with your query! Please note that blog comments are not monitored by the travel team, so any questions related to bookings may be missed.


Featured Videos


Experience The Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary

See what you could get up to as a volunteer at the Namibia Wildlife Sanctuary! This volunteer project offers you the chance to get up close and personal with some of the country's most iconic species.

Discover The Great White Shark Project

Come face to face with one of the world’s most misunderstood predators whilst aiding great white shark conservation. As a volunteer, not only will you get the incredible opportunity to dive with sharks, but you will also assist the team in raising awareness of the great white as you work alongside tourists and local school children to provide them with knowledge of the local environment and the importance of living in harmony with South Africa’s marine life.

Volunteers Review Their Experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

Volunteers talk about their recent experience at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo.

Latest Blog Arcticles


International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation

International Women's Day - The Most Inspirational Women In Conservation

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day, as we...

The Celebration Of World Wildlife Day 2023

The Celebration Of World Wildlife Day 2023

The 3rd of March is an opportunity to celebrate the...

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

New Arrival at the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

1-year-old baby orangutan, Iqo, has been freed from illegal...

Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022

Achievements at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Project in 2022

After 2 difficult years, we finally welcomed volunteers...

Merle’s Orangutan Experience at Samboja

Merle’s Orangutan Experience at Samboja

Merle shares her experiences from her time spent...

An Invasive Species: The Lionfish

An Invasive Species: The Lionfish

Many invasive species have made their way to all corners of...

Sun Bear Update From Samboja Lestari

Sun Bear Update From Samboja Lestari

After a lot of hard work by the June 2022 volunteer group,...

The Latest From The Great Orangutan Project!

The Latest From The Great Orangutan Project!

The Great Projects volunteer coordinator, Jess, is...


Where you can go
Contact Info
UK Office
The Great Traveller Ltd,
3 Dairy Yard
Star Street
Ware, Hertfordshire
SG12 7DX
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
   Mon-Fri 8:30am–5:30pm
   Sat 10am-4pm

T: +44(0) 208 885 4987