Fireworks & Pets

"Remember Remember your pets this November..."

That time of year is fast approaching! I used to love watching the firework display as a child. The POPS, BANGS and CRACKLES as the fireworks flew into the air and lit up the night sky with flashes of bright colours. My brother and I used to go together, with our pockets full of bonfire toffee. We would watch with sheer delight as the flames of the bonfire devoured the Guy Fawkes dummy in the middle. It was such good fun!

This isnt the case for our furry friends though, as you probably know. Rover retreats to a corner where he whimpers and cours for most the evening while Felix dissapears under your bed and isnt seen again until the following morning. What about your rabbits, or your guinea pigs? Did you spare a thought for them on bonfire night?

No? Neither did many other people, sadly.
Outdoor animals are often forgotten about. Unlike your dog or cat, they cant bark, whimper or meow to remind you they're there. Which is why it is so important that you dont forget about them, and that you get prepared in advance. Here are just a few ways you can help keep your furry friend safe and sound on bonfire night:

• Put them to bed early - If your rabbit or guinea pig spends a lot of time out in their run, make sure you put them to bed a little earlier than usual, so that they are all tucked up before the fireworks start.
• Give them lots of bedding and cosy places to hide - Putting lots of bedding and hay into their hutch will give your rabbit or guinea pig somewhere to burrow and hide, helping them to feel safe and secure. If your pet has free range of a shed or outbuilding, make sure he has lots of places to hide. A couple of cardboard boxes, turned upside down and filled with hay will do the trick.
• Cover the front of their hutch - Or if your rabbit or guinea pig have free range of a shed or outbuilding, cover the windows. Use an old blanket or a piece of tarpaulin. Darkness helps rabbits and guinea pigs to feel safe, so anything thick enough to block the flashes of the fireworks should be fine. Thick blankets will also help muffle the sounds, but make sure there is a gap for air to circulate!
• Move their accomodation - If appropriate, your furry friend will apreciate you moving their hutch to a quiet area such as a garage or shed. If this isnt practical, try not to worry too much.
• Give them plenty of food - Rabbits and guinea pigs love their food! Its important that they are encouraged to eat, if a rabbit or guinea pig stops eating for long periods, they can become seriously ill. Scatter their favourite foods around their home, they may apreciate a treat or two aswell.
• Dont set off fireworks in your garden! - Yes, I hate to be a fun sucker, but please dont set fireworks off in your own garden, its not a good idea. Small animals dont habituate to fire works, they find them very frightening. It doesnt mean you cant enjoy bonfire night though. Check with your local council to see if there are any organised displays. You can go with family and friends, and theyre much safer!