That time of year is back again. It’s Bonfire Night again. There are plenty of exciting displays to enjoy, but this time of year can be terrifying for pets. Many dog and cat owners underestimate just how traumatic the noise and excitement of Bonfire Night can be for animals. It’s easy to forget how preventing distress and fear fits into our pet health care responsibility. This is never truer than on Bonfire Night.
Owners who take their pet health care responsibility very seriously often feel as though they should be very affectionate with their pets whilst the fireworks are going on outside, in order to try and calm them down. Cuddles and affection could actually make a frightened animal more afraid. Giving a frightened animal more attention than usual can leave them with the impression that their fear is justified. Much better to maintain calm yourself by behaving normally so that your pets can see that there is no reason to be afraid.
As far as pet health care goes, stick with the normal advice for this time of year. Keep pets indoors on Bonfire Night. This is not just for their own safety but also for the safety of other people. A frightened dog could run off or lash out and bite. Cats can easily be hit by fireworks or burnt by fires if they are left outside. Horses should be properly stabled because they are prone to becoming frightened. Also, don’t forget to bring rabbits and other smaller animals into the house, garage or shed too.
Inside, keep yourself calms and your pets will mirror that. A good idea is to play some quiet music or have the TV on so that the sound of fireworks is reduced.
Every now and then we are reminded of our pet health care responsibilities. Bonfire Night is an obvious example.



