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New Year Celebrations

Posted: 28 December 2016 at 1:40 pm


Every year thousands of pets will suffer as a result of fireworks being let off. The Blue Cross have provided helpful tips and suggestions that may help your pet through the New Year celebrations.

Small pets and fireworks

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets and birds all need to be treated with special care when fireworks are being let off. These animals are easily frightened and the Blue Cross recommend you should follow these precautions:

  • Hutches/cages and enclosures should, if possible, be brought into a quiet room indoors, or into a garage or shed.
  • Give your pet extra bedding to burrow into so it feels safe
  • If you are unable to bring your pets hutch inside, you should turn its enclosure around so that it faces a wall or fence instead of the open garden
  • Cover any aviaries or hutches with thick blankets or a duvet to block out the sight of the fireworks and reduce the sound of bangs, but make sure there is enough ventilation

Dogs, cats and fireworks

  • Always keep dogs and cats inside when fireworks are being let off
  • Walk your dog earlier in the day before the fireworks start
  • If animals are used to the sounds of a TV or Radio, switch them on in order to block out some of the noise
  • Avoid leaving your pet alone during such potentially upsetting events. If you do have to leave the house, don’t get angry with your pet if you find they have been destructive or toileted after being left alone. Shouting at a frightened pet will only make them more stressed
  • Prepare a ‘den’ for your pet, perhaps with some of your old clothes to hide in when the fireworks start
  • Don’t tie your dog up outside while fireworks are being let off, i.e. outside a shop while you pop inside, or leave them in the garden or in your car
  • Never take your dog to a fireworks display. Even if they don’t bark or whimper at the noise, it doesn’t mean they are happy

Dog and Fireworks

Horses, ponies and fireworks

  • Fireworks must not be set off near livestock or horses in fields, or close to buildings housing livestock. Anyone planning a firework display in a rural area should warn neighbouring farmers in advance
  • Keep your horse in a familiar environment, in their normal routine with any companions to make them feel secure.
  • If you know your horse reacts badly to loud noises speak to your vet or consider moving your horse for the night
  • Be careful yourself. Try not to get in the way if your horse becomes startled as you may get hurt
  • Don’t take the risk of riding when you think fireworks might be set off