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Bonfire Night 2025 is nearly upon us, and whilst it's brilliant news if you're keen on popping along to your local fireworks spectacular, it's rather dreadful if you've got pets. Cats and dogs can become terribly frightened by the thunderous bangs, and it's absolutely awful when you can't even tell them what's happening. They might refuse to venture outdoors, or they could tremble uncontrollably, yap incessantly, or want to cower away for the evening, which is truly devastating to witness. Nicola Roy at Express.co.uk was eager to discover from some specialists how to keep animals relaxed on this extraordinarily nerve-wracking night of the year. And many of them delivered with one particularly popular remedy. Most of the specialists suggested using music to calm your pet on Bonfire Night . David Martin, Group Director of Animal Welfare at IVC Evidensia , says that music is a superb distraction without being overly intense, and frightening your pets further. He said: "Where possible, owners should try and soften loud noise from fireworks by drawing curtains, and closing windows. Background noise such as TV, radio and music can also help offer distraction. "Provide anxious pets with a comfortable, safe space, and offer nutritious treats as a distraction. "Make sure anxious pets are indoors, but do not confine them to one room. It is essential for owners to act normal, as dogs in particular can pick up on worried owners, which will in turn heighten anxiety." This was echoed by Ross Hallifax from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets who says background noise can be a massive comfort to your pets on this night of the year. Many pets are particularly sensitive to sound, and at up to 140 decibels, so it's no surprise that fireworks can be distressing. "Give comfort if your pet seeks reassurance, and remember that if you stay calm, they will be much more likely to stay calm too," explained Ross. Even the most distant bangs can be "deafening" to our furry friends, and this type of sensory bombardment can prove incredibly overwhelming for them, according to Dr Angela Jones, veterinary surgeon and co-founder of Petscribers.co.uk . She says the secret lies in minimising that sudden jolt, explaining: "Playing gentle background noise, such as low-volume TV or classical music, helps mask unpredictable bangs and gives pets something constant to focus on. "For cats, provide multiple hiding spots around the house, under the bed, behind a sofa, or inside an open wardrobe, so they feel in control of their environment. "Owners should also keep routines consistent. Feeding, walking, and bedtime should all happen at their usual times. Pets thrive on predictability, and even small changes can add to their stress. "For those with particularly anxious animals, your vet can discuss safe, short-term options such as medication to ease anxiety or calming supplements, but the most powerful remedy is a calm, reassuring owner who doesn't overreact to the noise." Alongside playing classical music, it's essential that your animals remain indoors where they're protected, beginning as early as feasible on Bonfire Night. Lindsay Arliss from Woodgreen Pets Charity emphasises this applies to both felines and canines, ensuring they get sufficient outdoor time during daylight hours so you can bring them inside once darkness arrives. She said: "Get your cat inside the house as soon as possible, give them an early dinner and let them hide away in the house if they want to. "Allow your cat to find their own hidey hole, whether that's under the bed or behind the sofa - they will come out when they're ready. "It's important to give your feline friend plenty of personal space. Trying to comfort them or pulling them from their hiding place may cause more stress." Lindsay added: "Walks dogs early while it's still light and make sure to get them out in the garden to do their business before it gets too dark. "If they need to go to the toilet in the evening, it's best to keep them company in the garden just in case fireworks go off. One very important thing to keep in mind is to not leave your pets home alone when there are fireworks going off outside." Despite the frustration of dealing with a pet that's barking or misbehaving due to the fireworks, Dr Sarah Page-Jones, Head Veterinary Surgeon at Pet Drugs Online , advises against telling them off. Instead, she recommends maintaining a calm demeanour around your pets this Bonfire Night. She explained: "Bonfire Night is a very confusing time for pets, while we as humans understand that fireworks aren't a threat, our pets don't realise this. "It can be frustrating and upsetting to have a distressed animal, but raising voices will only make their fear worse in the long run. Try to stay calm and act normally; pets take direction from us, so staying calm can help them feel safer."
