Pet owners across the Isle of Wight are being urged to take simple steps to protect their animals from the fear and distress caused by fireworks, as the RSPCA warns that the coming weeks could be the ‘most frightening’ time of year for pets.
With Bonfire Night approaching, the animal welfare charity is encouraging owners to prepare early to help dogs, cats and smaller animals cope with the loud bangs and bright flashes associated with fireworks displays.
The RSPCA says simple measures, such as creating a cosy hiding place, adjusting dog walking times and playing calming music, can make a significant difference to an animal’s wellbeing.
Alice Potter, Pet Welfare Expert at the RSPCA, has said:
“Many worried pet owners are already starting to think about upcoming fireworks and wondering how to keep their pets safe and limit stress. This can be the most frightening time of the year for animals.
“By taking a few simple actions early, pet owners can make a huge positive difference for their animals. Preparing in advance helps pets stay relaxed and gives owners complete peace of mind.”
The charity is advising dog owners to plan walks during daylight hours to avoid unexpected evening displays, while providing cats with additional hiding places and small animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, with extra bedding to burrow into.
Owners are also encouraged to gradually introduce recorded firework sounds at a low volume, provided this can be done without causing distress, and to speak with their vet about calming products or treatments for animals experiencing severe anxiety.
When fireworks are being set off, the RSPCA recommends closing windows, drawing curtains and playing music or television to help mask the noise.
Pets should be allowed to hide, pace or seek comfort without being forced to interact, while owners should remain calm and ensure their homes are secure to prevent frightened animals from escaping.
Dogs should never be tied up outside or taken to fireworks displays, even if they appear unaffected by the noise.
The advice comes as figures from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index show that 81% of people across the UK support the introduction of Firework Control Zones, which would restrict fireworks in certain areas to protect animals and vulnerable people.
The charity also found that 35% of adults have avoided private fireworks displays, while 15% of young people have skipped fireworks parties to help protect animals.
Meanwhile, a recent UK Government consultation on fireworks regulations received 51,917 responses through the RSPCA’s online campaign, including calls for tighter noise restrictions and for the loudest fireworks to be limited to professional displays.
Alice added:
“Strong support for Fireworks Control Zones, and the numbers ditching DIY displays for more organised displays, suggests that people want to keep animals safe from the unpredictability of loud bangs and noises associated with fireworks.
“And with tens of thousands of people responding to a recent UK Government consultation, we hope decision makers will act to protect animals and bring in the common sense reforms the public are clearly supporting in such large numbers.”
To help pets through the fireworks season, Classic FM will once again broadcast its special Pet Classics programmes, featuring soothing classical music and advice from the RSPCA.
Dan Walker will present the first programme on Thursday (5th November) between 17:00-22:00, followed by Aled Jones on Friday (6th November) and Dawn O’Porter on Saturday (7th November), both at the same times.
This year’s broadcasts will also feature a specially commissioned piece of pet-friendly music, When The Night Goes Quiet, written and recorded by composer Noah Inada-Kim.
Further advice on helping animals cope with fireworks is available through the RSPCA’s website.
