Use this guide from October onwards, before Bonfire Night, Diwali and New Year fireworks. Have your pet's bed, favourite toys and your vet's contact details ready.
Step by step
Talk to your vet early
If your pet has been scared of fireworks before, speak to your vet weeks in advance rather than on the night. They can discuss options such as behavioural support, calming products or medication where appropriate. Never give your pet human medicines.
Build a safe den
Set up a quiet hiding place in the most sound-proofed room, with blankets, bedding and familiar toys. Let your pet use it every day in the run-up so it becomes a normal retreat. For cats, a covered box or space up high often works well.
Adjust the daily routine
Walk dogs in daylight before fireworks usually start, and keep them on a lead in case of sudden bangs. Keep cats indoors after dark and provide a litter tray. Feed a little earlier so your pet is settled before the noise begins.
Secure the home
Close windows, doors and cat flaps, and draw the curtains to reduce flashes. Put the TV or radio on at a normal volume to mask bangs. Make sure your pet is microchipped with up-to-date details in case it escapes.
Stay calm during the noise
Let your pet hide if it wants to and do not force it out or tell it off for being afraid. Stay nearby and behave normally, offering comfort if your pet seeks it. Avoid leaving scared pets alone on the busiest nights.
Protect small and outdoor pets
Bring hutches for rabbits and guinea pigs indoors or into a garage or shed if you can, or cover part of the hutch with blankets while leaving ventilation. Add extra bedding for burrowing and hiding. Check on them regularly.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Vet spoken to in good time
- Safe den set up and used daily
- Dog walked in daylight
- Cat kept indoors with litter tray
- Windows, doors and cat flap closed
- Curtains drawn and background sound on
- Microchip details up to date
- Small pets' hutches protected
Practical tips
- Check local event listings and ask neighbours about planned displays so you know which nights to prepare for.
- Sound desensitisation programmes can help over months, so start well before next year's season with your vet's or a behaviourist's guidance.
- Keep ID tags and a recent photo handy in case your pet goes missing.
Common problems
My dog is shaking and panting heavily during fireworks.
Let it hide in its den, close curtains and keep background sound on. If it is extremely distressed or you are worried about its health, contact your vet or their out-of-hours service.
My cat escaped when a firework went off.
Search nearby sheds, garages and hiding spots, and leave its litter tray and bedding outside to guide it home. Contact local vets, rescues and your microchip database to report it missing.
Fireworks are going off every night for weeks.
Keep up the routine and safe den, and ask your vet about longer-term help. If fireworks are being set off late at night or causing a nuisance, you can report it to your local council, and to the police if they are being used dangerously.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
This guide is free. Unlock all ABCDayZ guides from £3.99 – one payment, no automatic renewal.