Simple steps to reduce anxiety in your pets this Halloween and Bonfire Night. Late October and early November hosts festivals such as Halloween and Bonfire Night. For many pets, this brings easy access to dangerous foods, tempting decorations, and sudden noise that can trigger panic. A little planning now can prevent an emergency later — and help your household enjoy the celebrations this year. Frightening foods Chocolate and products containing artificial sweeteners can be harmful to pets. Store sweets in closed cupboards, dispose of empty wrappers promptly, and offer pet-appropriate treats to your pets instead. Decoration dangersHalloween has lots of fun traditions such as carving pumpkins and decorating your home. If you display decorations, place them where pets can’t reach, and tidy up after parties. If you’re carving pumpkins, keep candles and open flames well away from pets: a knocked-over pumpkin can cause severe burns — or start a fire.Fancy dress fails Some pets tolerate costumes, but others find them very distressing. Avoid costumes that inhibit your pet’s movement or could become snagged on objects such as furniture. Treat or trick?If you intend to go trick-or-treating, remember that your own costume could be scary to some pets, as could the appearance of any costumed visitors who may knock on your door. If you are unsure how your pet will react, put set them up in a quiet room during peak visiting times with water, a bed, and a favourite toy. Consider a sign on the doorbell asking visitors to knock gently.Firework fear Fireworks are very popular at this time of year, but can be very frightening for some animals. Here are our top tips for helping keep your pets calm: Before Bonfire NightProvide a safe place for your pet to hide – their favourite sheltered spot or a quiet room, and encourage them to visit this area in the days beforehand. Make sure that your pets are microchipped, so that if they do run away when scared, they can be returned safely to you. On the dayKeep your pets indoors and keep curtains and doors closedMask external noises with music or televisionDistract them with toys, treats or chews Walk dogs in the daylight, on lead and away from firework hotspotsDon’t take your pet to a bonfire display with you If lighting a bonfire at home, move the stack before lighting, to avoid harming animals, such as hedgehogs or neighbourhood cats, who might shelter there. Veterinary supportIf your pet panics at fireworks, book an appointment to see your vet. Pain and medical issues can contribute to noise fear — and support like pheromone products and/or medication may help.If your pet shows persistent fear around noises, visitors or change, or is exhibiting unwanted behaviours, ask your vet for a referral to our Behaviour Clinic. Led by Specialists in veterinary behaviour, they can support chronically anxious animals, providing tailored behaviour plans and guidance.Hopefully, with a little advance planning, you and your pets will have a safe and enjoyable time this Halloween and Bonfire Night. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags Small Animals This article was published on Monday 12 October 2026
