Thunder At 3am. Fireworks Next Door. What Does Your Pet Do? |
Dogs are only part of this story. Cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses and other animals can all struggle when the sky suddenly starts exploding. |

Some pets hear thunder and barely lift their head.
Others hear one distant rumble and decide the apocalypse has begun.
Then come fireworks.
Bonfire Night gets most of the attention, but fireworks now appear around weddings, celebrations, Diwali, Eid, New Year and events throughout the year.
And pets do not get advance warning.
The RSPCA says sudden, unpredictable loud noises can cause fear and distress across many types of animal, not just dogs.
Its research has previously estimated that around 45% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear fireworks.
Cats may disappear under furniture.
Dogs may pace, pant, shake or try to escape.
Rabbits and guinea pigs can become frightened.
Horses can panic badly enough to injure themselves.
And thunderstorms add another layer because you cannot check a display timetable and know when the noise will stop.
So what actually helps?
The RSPCA advises giving animals somewhere secure to hide, closing windows and curtains and using television or music to reduce the impact of the noise.
Cats should be allowed to stay in their chosen hiding place rather than being dragged out for reassurance.
For small animals living outside, extra bedding gives them somewhere to burrow and part of the enclosure can be covered to reduce noise without blocking ventilation.
And if your pet’s fear is severe, this is not necessarily something they just have to “get over.”
The RSPCA says noise phobia can be treated and owners should speak to their vet, who may recommend behavioural support.
Around Peterborough, this matters whether you are walking around Ferry Meadows, living near an event space, keeping horses on the edge of the city or simply have a cat that knows about an approaching storm before your weather app does.
Not every pet question is a dog-training question which is why we have created " The Local Pet Insider" which answers questions about your pets, provides fun articles, quizzes, competitions and much more.
Cats. Rabbits. Birds. Horses. Older pets. Rescue animals. All deserve space.
So tell us:
What does your pet do when thunder or fireworks start — and what have you found actually calms them?
If you'd like to sign up for the re-launch of the Peterborough Edition of the Local Pet Insider click the button below. |

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