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Posted in Insight By devsupport
Pets, Wildlife & Responsible Use
We love a good display as much as anyone. But we also know that for dogs, cats, horses and wildlife, fireworks season can be a genuinely frightening time, and the effects can last for days. The good news? You don’t have to choose between a cracking show and a calm household. With the right fireworks and a little forethought, everyone gets a happy ending, even the Labrador.
Pick the quieter ones
Here’s a little secret from behind the counter: not every firework needs to go bang to impress. Plenty of fountains, wheels, roman candles and cakes put on a gorgeous show with nothing louder than a whoosh or a crackle.
- Check the Noise Rating on each product page. A rating of 1 means low noise. Here’s what each rating means on our Firework Safety page.
- Browse our Quiet Fireworks range [confirm link], picked with families, little ones and wildlife in mind.
- Not sure what to choose? Email sales@fireworkshop.com with your budget and your situation, and we’ll happily put together some low-noise suggestions.
Keep to the legal times
Stick to the permitted hours and your neighbours know when to expect fireworks, so they can settle their animals in good time. This part is the law, so here it is plainly:
- England and Wales: not between 11pm and 7am. The exceptions: Bonfire Night until midnight; Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year until 1am.
- Scotland: only between 6pm and 11pm, with the same later nights. Fireworks aren’t allowed at all in Firework Control Zones.
- Never in the street or any public place, anywhere in the UK.
The full details are on our Firework Safety page.
Before the night: be the neighbour everyone loves
- Let the neighbours know a few days beforehand with the date and time, so they can bring their pets in and make plans. A note through the door works wonders.
- Think about who’s nearby: horses or livestock in the next field, an animal rescue centre, or neighbours who struggle with loud noise, such as veterans, elderly people or people with autism.
- Never let fireworks off near fields with horses or livestock. If there are animals close by, have a word with their owners first.
- Choose a sensible time: earlier in the evening, and keep the display short and sweet. Always leave them wanting more.
Dogs
- Walk your dog in daylight, before the fireworks are likely to start.
- Once it’s dark, keep them indoors with the windows shut and curtains drawn.
- Put the TV or radio on to soften the bangs.
- Give them a quiet den to retreat to, and let them hide if that’s what they want.
- Never tell off a frightened dog, and try to stay calm yourself. They take their lead from you.
- Speak to your vet well ahead of time about sound therapy or calming aids.
- Check their microchip and ID tag details are up to date.
Cats
- Bring your cat in before dark, lock the cat flap and put a litter tray down.
- Give them places to hide, including somewhere up high, as many cats feel safer off the ground.
- Draw the curtains and keep doors and windows shut so they can’t make a dash for it.
- Let your cat decide whether to hide, and don’t drag them out.
- Make sure their microchip details are current in case they do get out.
Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets
- Partly cover outdoor hutches and runs with blankets to muffle the noise and block the flashes. Leave one side open for air and a view out.
- Add extra bedding so they can burrow down.
- Consider moving hutches into a shed, garage or the house, but do it gradually over a few days.
Horses
- Never let fireworks off near a horse’s field or stable.
- If you keep horses and know fireworks are planned nearby, arrange for someone experienced to stay with them.
- Don’t ride out when fireworks are likely.
Wildlife
- Check the bonfire for hedgehogs and other creatures before lighting. Better still, build it on the day, or move the pile to a fresh spot just before you light it.
- Fire well away from hedges, trees and ponds where wildlife shelters.
- Never fire over farmland with livestock or near nature reserves.
The morning after
Spent fireworks and sparklers stay hot for longer than you’d think and can burn paws. Many fireworks also contain chemicals that are harmful if chewed or swallowed.
- Walk the garden in daylight and pick up every scrap of debris, including rocket sticks and sparkler wires.
- Soak spent fireworks and sparklers in a bucket of water overnight before putting them in the general waste.
- Never burn fireworks or packaging.
- Keep pets off the firing area until it’s been cleared.
Rather go to an organised display?
One well-advertised community display gives everyone nearby the chance to plan ahead, and it’s often the kindest option for local animals. If you’re organising one for your village, school or club, see the display section of our Firework Safetypage, and email us for help choosing a low-noise selection.