Fireworks season is looming, and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is sounding the alarm. With Diwali on October 20, Bonfire Night on November 5, and New Year’s Eve just around the corner, vets are bracing for a spike in pets and farm animals terrified, injured, or worse.
Fireworks Panic: How Pets and Livestock Suffer
Animals react to fireworks in all sorts of ways. Dogs may drool, pant heavily, or try to run off. Others just pace nervously or have accidents indoors. Cats vanish into hiding spots, rabbits freeze or thump their feet in terror, while poultry risk deadly smothering as they panic and pile on top of each other.
Every year, British vets patch up injuries caused by scared pets. Dogs chew furniture to shreds, breaking teeth from anxiety. Horses bolt into fences or roads, sometimes fracturing limbs. Dangerous leftovers like unexploded fireworks or paper lantern bits also threaten livestock and wildlife alike.
BVA President Sounds Urgent Warning
Dr Rob Williams MRCVS, BVA President: “Fireworks might be a thrill for some, but for pets, farm animals, and wildlife, they spell terror. We see burns, trauma, and stress injuries annually. Simple steps—like creating safe hideouts and keeping microchip details updated—can save lives.”
“If your pet is seriously scared, speak to your vet about noise desensitisation, pheromone products, or tailored treatments. Early intervention is crucial.”
Top 10 Must-Follow Tips to Shield Your Animals from Firework Fear
- Talk to your vet about calming aids like stress-relieving drugs or pheromone sprays.
- Set up a cosy, padded den or hiding place well before festivities begin.
- Check your pet’s microchip info is current to speed recovery if they bolt.
- Bring small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs indoors, away from loud bangs.
- Close windows and curtains; use music or TV to drown out firework noise.
- Stay calm around distressed animals—never punish anxious behaviour.
- Keep livestock indoors during fireworks and clear fields of explosive debris.
- Let horses out in fields rather than stabling if possible; get expert behavioural advice if needed.
- When hosting fireworks, keep animals well away and clear up all leftovers responsibly.
- Before lighting bonfires, always check for wild animals sheltering inside piles.
BVA Demands Tougher Fireworks Laws
The BVA is pushing hard for stricter controls on fireworks sales and use. On November 12, the Fireworks Impact Coalition, including BVA, will hit Parliament to urge MPs to introduce new laws protecting animals and people from fireworks chaos.
