Bonfire Night might be a fun tradition for people, but for small pets, fireworks can be terrifying. The loud bangs, bright flashes, and vibrations can cause stress and panic in animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, and hamsters.
I’ve lived through many fireworks nights with my pets, and I know how upsetting it can be to see them frightened. The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to make them feel safer and more secure.
Here’s how I prepare my pets for fireworks night.
1. Bring Them Indoors (If Possible)
- Outdoor hutches should be moved into a shed, garage, or indoors if you can.
- If that’s not an option, cover hutches with heavy blankets or duvets to muffle sound — but always leave enough ventilation.
2. Soundproof Their Space
- Close windows and doors.
- Draw curtains or cover cages with thick blankets (again, leaving airflow).
- Play background noise like the TV, radio, or white noise to help drown out the bangs.
3. Give Extra Hiding Places
- Cardboard boxes
- Tunnels
- Cuddle sacks or hideouts
My guinea pigs especially love hay-filled hideys — it keeps them busy and comforted.
4. Keep Them Together
If your pets live in pairs or groups, keep them with their companions. Familiar company helps reduce stress.
5. Stay Calm Around Them
Animals pick up on our behaviour. Try to act as normally as possible so they don’t sense something’s wrong.
6. Plan Feeding & Handling in Advance
- Feed your pets earlier in the evening before fireworks start.
- Avoid handling them too much during the loudest times — stressed animals may panic and injure themselves.
7. Special Considerations for Rats & Guinea Pigs
- Rats: Cover part of the cage with a blanket to create a darkened safe zone, and make sure they have plenty of hammocks and hideouts.
- Guinea pigs: Offer a big pile of hay to burrow into, and make sure hideys are stable so they don’t topple over if the pigs dash inside quickly.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks can be stressful for our pets, but with a bit of planning we can help them feel safe and secure. Remember, this night is just one evening for us — but for our animals, it can feel overwhelming.
I’m lucky because my rats and guinea pigs all live indoors and are comfortable in their surroundings, so fireworks don’t tend to bother them too much. For my own peace of mind, I usually stay in the next room and poke my head in every so often just to check all is well — though I suspect it reassures me more than it does them!
But that’s not true for every pet — and even if they look calm and nonplussed, that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t stressed. Many small animals are very good at hiding their fear, so it’s always best to prepare and give them the option of extra comfort and security.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping them calm, comfortable, and safe.
Gentle Reminder 🐾
I’m not a vet — just a fellow pet parent sharing my experiences and what I’ve learned along the way. If your rat shows signs of illness or distress, always seek professional veterinary advice.
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