Leading veterinary charity PDSA is calling for an end to the private use of fireworks, while sharing practical advice to help keep pets safe and calm on the night.
In response to the Government consultation on fireworks and pyrotechnics, PDSA welcomes the recognition of the impact fireworks can have on animals but is urging ministers to go further by restricting the private use of fireworks to professionally organised public displays only which operate under clear and robust licensing.
Loud fireworks can cause pets significant fear and anxiety. Some may hide or try to escape, potentially injuring themselves in the process. For some animals, the impact can extend beyond bonfire night, contributing to longer-term noise sensitivities and behavioural problems.
Catherine Burke, PDSA Vet, said: “Fireworks may be a source of celebration for many people, but for millions of pets they can cause genuine fear and anxiety. The challenge with privately used fireworks is their unpredictability. Owners can take steps to help prepare their pets, but it's much harder to protect a pet when fireworks can be set off unexpectedly and in residential areas.
“We can better protect our pets from avoidable distress by restricting the private use of louder fireworks to organised, licensed displays, which gives greater predictability. If displays are publicised in advance, pet owners have a better opportunity to adjust their routines and seek veterinary support where necessary.
"We support an exemption for firework products which present a low hazard and negligible noise level, such as Christmas crackers, party poppers, and sparklers. But we’d like to see greater use of lower noise alternatives; which would help strike a balance between people enjoying celebrations and protecting the welfare of the millions of pets living in our communities.”
"Each year PDSA veterinary teams support pet owners with firework preparation advice and where clinically appropriate, prescribing medication to help manage severe distress in pets, this places additional pressure on both pet owners and our veterinary services.
"We believe that reducing the unpredictable exposure to loud fireworks is a necessary and preventative approach that protects animal welfare, rather than placing the responsibility solely on individual pet owners to manage the consequences."
PDSA’s five tips to help pets this Bonfire Night
While longer term preparation can help pets learn to cope with fireworks, there are still practical steps owners can take to help their pets feel safer on the night.
- Keep pets safely indoors. Walk dogs before it gets dark, when fireworks are expected and keep cats indoors. Secure garden fences and gates, block escape routes, close windows, doors and cat flaps and make sure pets cannot bolt outside if startled. If dogs need to go out for a toilet break, keep them on a lead and always ensure your pet's microchip details are up to date.
- Create a quiet, comfortable hideaway. Provide a cosy space with familiar bedding, blankets and favourite toys. Close curtains and blinds to block out flashing lights and consider playing the television or radio at a comfortable volume to help mask the noise.
- Let pets hide if they’re frightened. Pets may react differently to fireworks. Some will seek reassurance, while others prefer to hide. Stay calm, let them choose where they feel safest and never punish them or force them out of their hiding place.
- Take extra care with small pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals can also be frightened by fireworks. If possible, move outdoor hutches into a secure, quiet area, ensuring there is adequate ventilation. Provide extra bedding and hiding places and partially cover enclosures if this helps reduce flashes and noise.
- Keep pets away from fireworks and bonfires. Never let pets near fireworks, sparklers or bonfires. Keep them supervised and secure, and contact your vet if your pet becomes extremely distressed or you’re worried about their health. Finally, never give your pet medication that hasn’t been prescribed for them by a vet.
PDSA encourages pet owners whose pets really struggle with fireworks to speak to their vet well in advance of future fireworks seasons, as behavioural support and treatment may need to be planned.
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