An insurance company has launched an online tool to help dog, cat and horse owners prepare for Bonfire Night after research revealed 71% of pet owners want more guidance to support their pets at this time of year.
A survey of 2,000 pet owners by Animal Friends Pet Insurance found that 76% think Bonfire Night is the most stressful time of the year for their pet. Despite this, only 13% have a detailed plan in place for their dog, cat or horse.
Animal Friends Pet Insurance’s Fireworks Readiness Checker is an online tool consisting of 10 questions which is designed to help pet owners discover how prepared they are for fireworks season and suggest practical steps to take to support their pet.
‘Preparation doesn’t need to be complicated’
“For many pets and owners, fireworks are no longer confined to Bonfire Night. Displays can start around Halloween and continue right through to New Year, creating weeks of uncertainty for animals that are sensitive to loud noises and disruption,” said Jen Hipwell, head of veterinary services at Animal Friends Pet Insurance.
“Preparation doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether it’s creating a safe space to retreat to, adjusting walk times or recognising signs of anxiety early, small steps can have a big impact. The Fireworks Readiness Checker is designed to help owners identify those simple changes and feel more confident supporting their pet throughout the season.”
Coping measures
Owners are taking a range of steps to help their pets cope, including closing curtains or blinds, playing music or television to soften the noise and creating a safe space for their pet to retreat to. Calming treats, supplements and pheromone diffusers are also popular choices.
“Fireworks can be distressing for our pets but there are steps you can take to help your four-legged friend such as walking your dog earlier in the day and keeping your cat inside,” said Jenny Baxter, animal behaviourist at Blue Cross.
“Closing windows and doors and drawing the curtains or blinds, as well as turning on the TV or radio, not too loudly, to muffle the noise of the fireworks will also help cats and dogs. We’d also recommend not leaving your pet alone around the week of Bonfire Night.
“We’d also recommend checking that your pets’ microchip details are up to date. Owners who are worried about their pets should always seek professional advice from a vet and an animal behaviourist as soon as possible so that either short or long-term expert help and advice can be given.”
Change is needed
The study found that 60% of owners believe their pet has experienced lasting effects following fireworks. Twenty-eight percent stay at home specifically to comfort their pet while 11% turn down social events or invitations. Eighty-two percent of pet owners believe more should be done to make fireworks season safer for pets, wildlife and livestock.
“It’s encouraging to see growing recognition that something has to change,” said Sarah Owen MP.
“Our current laws still allow highly powerful, noisy explosives to be used in communities, often with little consideration for the impact on neighbours, pets, wildlife and livestock. I will keep working with campaigners, animal welfare organisations and colleagues across Parliament to push common-sense changes through.”
The Animal Friends Readiness Checker can be found here.
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