Battersea’s tips to help your pets brave the bang this Bonfire Night

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is encouraging all pet owners to think ahead and prepare for the hundreds of fireworks set to light up the sky this Bonfire Night.

Fireworks season can be very stressful for household pets, particularly on main celebration days like Bonfire Night, when there are lots of fireworks going off for several hours. Battersea staff often see a spike in the number of lost dogs and cats around this date, and are hoping pet owners will heed their advice to help keep their cats and canines calm this November 5.

Battersea Head of Dog Rehoming, Rob Young, said: "This time of year, we often receive a lot of dogs who have run away from home, startled or traumatised by the loud noises and flashes of the fireworks. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure your pet is as comfortable and relaxed as possible this week."

Battersea has the following advice for pet owners to help keep their pets safe and calm during fireworks season.

- Create a safe haven for your pet to hide in. For dogs, a cupboard under the stairs or a table draped with a blanket is a great place for them to retreat to. It's a good idea to have this ready in advance and encourage them to use it before the event so they have the opportunity to get used to this new spot before the festivities kick off.

- It's important to remember it's not just the noise of the fireworks that's unsettling for pets, it's also the light. Reduce the chance of flashes by keeping your lights on and pulling your curtains shut. Keeping the TV or radio on at a volume your pet will be comfortable with will also help mask some of the sudden bangs.

- Wherever your pet decides to settle for the night, a long lasting chew or toy can be a great distraction from the noise going on outside. Also, try and keep your pet indoors when fireworks are going off in your neighbourhood.

- Escape-proof your home! Cats (and even some dogs) can squeeze into surprisingly tight spots, so have a look around your house and block off any dangerous or unsuitable areas your pets may get into.

- Act normal. Animals are very perceptive and if they notice you're behaving unusually (like following them around or being overly affectionate); they'll sense something is up. If they see that the fireworks have no effect on you, this may help decrease their anxiety.

- If worst comes to worst and your pet does happen to run away, make sure they can be identified (with ID tags and microchipping) so they can be reunited with you if found.

Fireworks season is also a nerve-wracking time for the dogs across Battersea's three centres, like Gizmo the Staffie, who has been waiting for a home since coming in as a stray in July. This Bonfire Night, you can help keep their mind off the noise outside by visiting their online shop and donating a chew toy or treat to ease their anxiety. Simply visit www.battersea.org.uk to buy a gift to help keep our four-legged friends calm during the fireworks.

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For more information and images please contact 020 7627 9332 or email press@battersea.org.uk

Notes to editors

• Since it was founded, Battersea has rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs and cats.
• Battersea cares for an average of 400 dogs and 250 cats across its three centres at any one time.
• There is no time limit on how long an animal can stay at the charity.
• A team of over 1100 volunteers help at Battersea's three centres, in roles including dog and cat socialising, gardening, admin support and giving talks in the community.
• It costs £12.7 million to care for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home's animals each year.
• In addition to the site in South West London, the Home also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home receives no central government funding towards the care of its dogs and cats and relies on the generosity and support of the public to help care for lost and abandoned dogs & cats. To make a donation visit our website or call 0870 890 0000.
• For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home please visit www.battersea.org.uk.
• Follow Battersea on Twitter @BDCH or facebook.com/Battersea