Tomorrow is Guy Fawkes Night, so fireworks season is here.
While fireworks can be fun for people, they aren't so fun for pets and wildlife, as fireworks sadly scare and even harm animals.
That's not something we want.
We can try and celebrate Guy Fawkes Night and have fun without harming animals. There are several ways that you can help animals this fireworks season.
Let's look at ways you can help animals...
. Please Check Bonfires
If you are having a bonfire for Guy Fawkes Night, or are going to a bonfire, then, please make sure to check the bonfire before you light it, as small animals like hedgehogs and other small animals like frogs or lizards could be in there.
Check with a torch carefully to make sure there are no small animals in the unlit bonfire before you light it. When you do light it, only light it from one side, to begin with, that way, if you've not seen a small animal that might be in there, they have a way to run out and escape.
Small animals like hedgehogs are looking for places to hibernate at this time of year, so it is important to make sure there are no animals.
An even better idea is to create your bonfire on the day or evening of Guy Fawkes Night, which will reduce the chance of small animals going inside. But, if you build your bonfire on the 5th of November, please always check and check again before you light it so that you avoid harming animals.
. Have Displays Away From Animals
If you are having a display for Guy Fawkes Night, then please have one away from animals: including pets and wildlife.
Try and have the display somewhere that's away from animals.
Please have your display away from animal shelters, forests, trees and anywhere wildlife will be nearby, as animals are scared of wildlife.
. Have Silent Fireworks
Another way that you can help animals is by having silent fireworks.
Loud fireworks scare and cause stress in animals. An alternative to loud fireworks is having silent fireworks. Or, even just avoiding the loud fireworks.
There are many different types of fireworks, some of them are louder than others, so you could help animals by avoiding fireworks like rockets and instead go for smaller garden fireworks that are not as noisy.
. Care About The Environment Too
One last way that you can help animals - and the environment - this Guy Fawkes Night, is by caring about the environment around you.
Littering harms wildlife and pollutes the environment and ecosystems, please consider the impact you have on the environment around you - dispose of used fireworks and sparklers in a safe way and don't leave them behind, as that will pollute surrounding ecosystems and could harm wildlife or pets.
Spending a few minutes to clean up any litter, fireworks or sparklers that are lying about can help stop pollution and harm to animals.
Final Tip
Make sure to keep your pets indoors on the 5th of November.
Please keep your cats, dogs, rabbits and any other pet you have indoors to protect them from being harmed or stressed by the fireworks.
You can help your pets by playing music and keeping your curtains or blinds closed for the night of the 5th of November, to help calm them.