09/10/2026
Are you getting excited about Halloween & Bonfire night yet? Here at Medivet, we want your pets to feel safe while we celebrate with fireworks. Although these events are several weeks away, now is the idea time to start preparing for them!
Many pets feel very frightened by the noise and light of fireworks and with a few simple tricks, we can really make a difference to them....
Sound-proofing an area and training them to go in there can be a game-changer! You can buy rolls of acoustic foam on line at a reasonable price and cover a dog crate or even a cardboard box with it, leaving a small entrance which faces away from the windows.
If your pet is not used to a crate, now is the idea time to begin training. Leave a little trail of treats leading up to and around the crate several times a day. Place food and water in there too, along with a comfy bed, so it becomes a safe space. By the time bonfire night comes, they will already enjoy it in there and will actively seek out the quiet.
When considering where to place it, you might wish to think about where your pet has hidden in the past. Cats often prefer to be well-hidden - under a bed or in a wardrobe, so consider placing your sound-proofed box there. Dogs may prefer to be with people so consider placing your crate in the lounge but as far from the windows as possible, facing away from them.
Don't forget that we advise cats should be kept in so ensure they have access to a litter tray. This link from Battersea cats and dogs home is really helpful for the best type of litter tray to get.
https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice/cat-advice/best-litter-tray-set-up
For all of our smaller furry friends, ensure they are brought in, should they live outside and don't forget to sound proof an area for them within the home too.
For more information you can check out Wood Green animal shelter's advice here: https://woodgreen.org.uk/pet-advice/general/fireworks-how-to-keep-your-pets-safe/
Or if you like a bit of science you can click on a blog co-written by our Branch Partner, Emma, here: https://fabclinicians.org/sound-sensitivities-emergency-management/.
If you know your pet struggles with this time of year, please do book in with Emma, our Advanced Practitioner in Companion Animal Behaviour and she can help you further.
One more thought: If your pet seems more stressed by the noise this year, it could be a red flag for them being unwell or in pain. Pain changes the body's perception of threats and sounds so increasing sound sensitivity can be an early red flag for ill-health - way before they appear lame or physically poorly. We can help out with that too, just book in for further advice!
We really hope you find this helpful - we want you to be able to relax and enjoy the season while your pets feel nice and safe!
