TOP TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PET HAPPY THIS BONFIRE NIGHT

Bonfire Night can be a traumatic time for pets and pet parents alike, filled with sudden loud noises, startling bangs and frightening flashes.

With 3.2 million households acquiring new pets since the beginning of lockdown1, there will be more families and four-legged friends affected by the whizz-bangs than ever before.

With many organised Bonfire Nights being cancelled last minute due to rising covid cases2, this will likely cause lots of smaller celebrations at home in private gardens. While many of us might be looking forward to lighting the sky up with fireworks, our pets won’t share the same excitement.

This Bonfire Night, Lily’s Kitchen – the award-winning producer of proper food for pets – is urging the public to only light fireworks* between 7 and 8pm on 5th November to limit the stress experienced by our furry friends.

By limiting fireworks to one hour, our four-legged family members can get back to chewing shoes and purring on the sofa in no time, whilst those with two legs can still enjoy the delights of the sky being lit up and celebrate Bonfire Night.

For those who want to go the extra mile, supermarkets have even started selling low-noise fireworks. But make sure to still set these off between 7 and 8pm, as even the bright flashes can cause stress for pets.

The Lily’s Kitchen resident vet, Rodney Zasman, has also shared his top tips on how to keep pets happy this Bonfire Night.

Create a den

Build a warm and cosy space filled with your pet’s favourite toys, chews and snacks so that they have somewhere to hide while the fireworks fly outside. Lily’s Kitchen Bedtime Biscuits contain soothing ingredients that are the perfect treat for Bonfire Night and will be great to give pups while in their safety den, or treat your cat to some Chicken Treats or Salmon Treats to distract them from the loud bangs. And if your pet is especially nervous, plug a pheromone diffuser into the same room that will help calm the nerves.

Break the routine

While we would usually recommend keeping to a regular schedule, cats and dogs should be fed early on Bonfire Night, and make sure to take pups out for a walk while it’s still bright and before the bangs begin.

Stay inside

While it might be an obvious tip, make sure to keep all doors and windows closed so that pets are kept safely inside. Close the curtains, turn on the lights and play your pet’s favourite music to drown out the noise as best you can.

Personalise your pet’s collar

This is a great chance to jazz up your pet’s collar and get them a shiny new, engraved one. And if your pet hasn’t been microchipped, now is the time to organise it so that you’ll be more easily reunited if they get spooked and run off.

Introduce them to the big bangs

While owners might find the crackle and pop of fireworks exciting, they can be a bit scary for pets who don’t know what they are. In the days and weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, play your pet some firework recordings so that they get comfortable with the noise and learn that there’s nothing to be worried about.

Relax!

Like they always say, pets are like their owners; so if you stay relaxed your pet will too. Play with your pet if they come to you for cuddles, but be aware they might want to stay in the safety of their little hideaway you have created. And never tell them off if they’re whining, barking or meowing as this may increase their stress.

Take a chill pill (for extreme measures only!)

There are some dogs and cats that still exhibit extreme anxiety despite all you do, and as a last resort your vet will be able to prescribe the most suitable medication for your pet.

* Fireworks should only ever be lit outdoors under appropriate adult supervision, following all safety rules. Never approach a firework that has failed to light.