Everyone loves fireworks, but this is not always the case for our beloved pets. With the festivities and celebrations upon us extra precautions may need to be taken to ensure they remain safe. Looking after your pets in firework season is an owners top priority.

Below are some of Country & Stable’s top tips on how best to prepare and plan ahead for the firework season to help protect your horses, dogs, cats and other four-legged friends.

Top 3 tips for your horse for fireworks

1. Keep your horse in their familiar environment as this will help make them feel more comfortable and secure. Keeping to a normal routine as much as possible and having any usual companions will also be a comfort. If stabled, check thoroughly for anything that could cause potential injury such as protruding nails/string. If your horse is to stay in the field, check that fencing is not broken and there are no foreign objects lying around.
2. Distraction aids like well-filled haynets, licks, toys etc can be useful in keeping your horse’s attention away from the loud bangs and bright flashes. Keep lights on to assist in dulling the flashes. Also playing music on a radio outside the stable can help mask sudden noise and distract attention. This can also be soothing.
3. If you know fireworks will be set off near your horse, it might be better to stay with your horse. This way you can observe their behaviour and make sure they stay as calm as possible. Try not to react during the displays – keep calm as your horse could sense your unease.

Top 3 tips for your dogs & cats for fireworks

1. Close any windows and curtains at night. If possible, have the TV on or some music playing in the background to mask any outside noise.
2. Try to take your dog out for a long walk in the daylight when fireworks are least likely to be set off and to help tire them out.
3. Make sure your pet is safe and secure in its living area and can’t run out of the house if there is any sudden noise. Try not to make a fuss over your pet as this may prove worse in the future – leave them alone but stay with them for reassurance and let them hide if this makes them feel more comfortable.

Tips not to be missed: In the run up to firework dates try to prepare and find out days, times and locations of local events. This will help you to be organised and ready for these occasions. Putting the radio on can help add a distraction. Classic FM hosts a pet specific show specially designed to help calm pets during fireworks.

We hope you have found this information useful and will help you to keep looking after your pets in Firework Season.