Preparing for Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be exciting for us, but for our pets, it can be one of the most frightening times of the year.The sudden bangs, bright flashes and unfamiliar noises of fireworks can leave dogs and cats feeling frightened, unsettled and anxious. While some pets may barely notice the noise, others can experience significant distress.

At The Comfort Paw Co, we believe our pets deserve patience, reassurance and thoughtful care, especially when the world around them feels overwhelming.

With Bonfire Night approaching on 5 November, now is the perfect time to prepare your home, plan your routine and explore ways to help your four-legged family members feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Here’s our guide to helping your pets through fireworks season.

1. Walk your dog and let your cat out while it’s still light

One of the most important things you can do is plan ahead before the fireworks begin.

Where possible, take your dog for their usual walk earlier in the day, while it’s still light outside. Give them plenty of opportunities to sniff, explore and enjoy their surroundings before returning home well before dusk.

As darkness approaches, fireworks can begin unexpectedly, making walks more stressful and potentially dangerous. Even normally confident dogs can become frightened by a sudden bang and try to bolt.

If your dog needs a toilet break later in the evening, keep them on a lead and stay close to home. If fireworks are already going off, wait for a quieter moment where possible.

For cats who usually go outdoors, encourage them to come inside well before dark. Once they’re safely indoors, keep them inside throughout the evening and overnight, with access to fresh water, food, comfortable resting places and a clean litter tray.

Our tip: Don’t wait until the first firework goes off to bring your pets inside. Getting ahead of the noise can make the whole evening easier.

2. Close the curtains and blinds before the fireworks start

Fireworks aren’t just about noise. Bright flashes of light can also frighten animals, particularly when they appear unexpectedly through windows.

Before it gets dark, close your curtains and blinds to help block out flashes and reduce some of the noise coming from outside.

Keep windows and external doors closed, and make sure cat flaps are secured once your cat is indoors.

Leaving the lights on can help reduce the contrast from sudden flashes outside. You can also put the television or radio on at a comfortable volume to help mask some of the bangs.

The aim is to create a familiar, peaceful indoor environment where your pet feels protected from the activity outside.

3. Create a calm and reassuring atmosphere

Our pets often look to us for reassurance. If they’re frightened, your calm presence can help them feel less alone.

Try to keep your usual evening routine as much as possible. Settle down with a film, read a book or spend some quiet time with your pet.

Speak gently, move normally around the house and allow your pet to decide how much interaction they want.

If your dog comes to you for cuddles, offer comfort. If your cat wants to hide away somewhere quiet, let them.

You don’t need to ignore your pet when they’re scared. Reassuring a frightened animal won’t spoil them or reward their fear.

However, avoid making a fuss that overwhelms them or forcing them to interact when they’d rather have space.

Sometimes, simply being there is the most reassuring thing you can do.

4. Give them somewhere safe to retreat

Every pet should have access to a comfortable place where they can feel secure.

For dogs, this might be their usual bed, a quiet room or a familiar den. For cats, it could be a covered bed, a cardboard box, a favourite hiding place or somewhere elevated where they feel safe.

Add familiar blankets and bedding, and place favourite toys nearby if your pet finds them comforting.

Allow your pet to choose where they feel safest. Never drag them out of a hiding place or shut them inside a den where they cannot leave freely.

Make sure everyone in the household understands that this is your pet’s safe space and that they should be left undisturbed when they need it.

If your pet already has a favourite hiding place, there’s no need to force them to use somewhere new. Simply make their preferred spot as comfortable and secure as possible.

5. Keep your pets occupied with suitable enrichment

Distraction can help some pets cope with fireworks, particularly if they’re relaxed enough to engage with an activity.

For dogs, you could try:

• A familiar food puzzle or snuffle mat.
• A suitable licking activity using a pet-safe treat.
• A favourite toy or gentle indoor game.
• A little reward-based training if your dog enjoys it.

For cats, consider familiar toys, interactive play earlier in the evening or a favourite activity that encourages natural behaviours.

Choose activities your pet already enjoys rather than introducing something unfamiliar when they’re feeling unsettled.

Always supervise where appropriate and ensure toys, treats and enrichment products are suitable for your pet’s size, age and chewing habits.

Most importantly, don’t force them to play. If your pet is too frightened to eat, play or interact, let them retreat to their safe space instead.

6. Could calming supplements help anxious pets?

For some dogs and cats, fireworks season can be particularly difficult. Alongside creating a safe environment and offering reassurance, some pet owners explore calming products to provide additional support.

At The Comfort Paw Co, we offer a carefully selected calming range for dogs and cats, including products intended to support relaxation and everyday wellbeing.

Depending on the product and its ingredients, calming supplements may form part of a wider approach to helping pets cope with stressful situations. However, every animal is different, and results can vary.

It’s important to understand that supplements aren’t a guaranteed solution for firework anxiety and shouldn’t replace appropriate veterinary care.

If you’re considering a calming product for your pet, check that it’s specifically suitable for their species and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Speak to your vet before use if your pet has a medical condition, takes medication or experiences significant anxiety.

Some calming products work best when introduced before a stressful event, so it’s worth exploring suitable options early rather than waiting until fireworks night.

For pets who become extremely frightened, your vet can advise on additional support, including behavioural approaches and prescribed treatment where appropriate.

At The Comfort Paw Co, we believe thoughtful pet care starts with understanding what your individual pet needs.

7. Know the signs that your pet may be anxious

Not every frightened animal reacts in the same way. Some show obvious signs of distress, while others become quiet or withdraw.

Signs of anxiety in dogs can include:

• Trembling, panting or pacing.
• Whining, barking or becoming unusually clingy.
• Hiding or trying to escape.
• Restlessness or refusing food.
• Cowering, trembling or repeatedly seeking reassurance.

Cats may show anxiety through:

• Hiding for extended periods.
• Pacing, vocalising or appearing unusually alert.
• Flattening their ears or crouching low.
• Eating or drinking less than usual.
• Trying to escape or avoiding interaction.

These signs can have other causes, too, so seek veterinary advice if you’re concerned about a change in your pet’s behaviour.

If your pet has a history of severe firework anxiety, contact your vet before Bonfire Night. Planning ahead gives you more time to explore appropriate support.

8. Keep your home secure and your pets identifiable

Even pets who are normally relaxed can react unexpectedly to fireworks.

Check that doors, windows and gates are secure, and make sure your garden is safe before letting your dog outside.

Keep dogs on a lead during walks, even if they usually have excellent recall. If your dog is particularly nervous, consider using a well-fitted harness alongside their usual collar.

Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up to date and that your dog wears suitable identification.

Never leave your pet outside unattended while fireworks are being let off.

If you have rabbits, guinea pigs or other small pets, remember that they can also be frightened by sudden noises. Provide suitable hiding places, extra bedding where appropriate and protection from direct exposure to fireworks, while ensuring their enclosure remains properly ventilated.

9. What should you do if your pet is frightened during the fireworks?

If your pet becomes distressed, try to remain calm and patient.

Let them hide if they want to, offer reassurance if they seek you out and keep the environment as quiet and familiar as possible.

Don’t punish barking, hiding, trembling or other fear-related behaviour. Your pet isn’t being naughty; they’re responding to something they find frightening.

Avoid taking them outside to investigate the noise or forcing them to face their fears.

If your pet’s distress is severe, or they injure themselves trying to escape, seek veterinary assistance.

Once the fireworks stop, allow your pet time to settle. Some animals recover quickly, while others may need longer before returning to their usual routine.

A little preparation can make a big difference

Bonfire Night doesn’t have to mean an evening of unnecessary stress for your pets. While we can’t control every firework or guarantee that every animal will remain calm, we can take steps to make them feel safer.

Walk your dog while it’s light. Bring outdoor cats inside before dark. Close the curtains and blinds. Create a comfortable retreat, keep your evening calm and offer reassurance whenever your pet needs it.

If you’re considering calming products, explore suitable options early and seek professional advice when necessary.

At The Comfort Paw Co, we understand that our pets are family. Their comfort, safety and wellbeing matter, and we believe thoughtful care should be accessible to every pet-loving household.

Our calming range for dogs and cats is part of our commitment to helping owners discover carefully selected products for their four-legged family members.

Because they deserve comfort, reassurance and a little extra love when they need it most.

From The Comfort Paw Co

We wish you and your four-legged family members a safe, peaceful and comfortable Bonfire Night.

Luxury pet products at high-street prices. Thoughtfully chosen for the pets we love.