Rabbits can die of fright – here’s how to protect your tiniest pets this Bonfire Night
As fireworks season bursts into life, most public warnings focus on the distress caused to dogs and cats. But Britain’s smallest pets – rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other ‘small furries’ – are just as vulnerable to fear and panic when the bangs begin.
“Rabbits can literally die of fright,” says Rae Walters from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF). “People often don’t realise just how sensitive rabbits and other small pets are to noise and vibration. They may not be barking or meowing in distress, but that doesn’t mean they’re coping. Taking precautions before Bonfire Night is absolutely essential.”
Unlike humans, small animals have ultra-acute hearing and can pick up sounds from miles away. Even distant explosions can leave them disoriented, panicked, and physically unwell. So what can pet owners do to help?
Here are seven expert-backed tips to keep your small pets calm and safe this fireworks season:
1. Bring them indoors: Move outdoor hutches or cages into a quiet shed, garage or utility room for a few nights. Ensure there’s good ventilation and no risk from car fumes.
2. Soundproof their space: Cover hutches or cages with thick blankets or duvets to help muffle sound and block flashes of light. Leave enough air flow, and add plenty of hay so they can burrow – a natural comfort behaviour.
A rabbit can hear sounds up to two miles away – so just because you can’t hear fireworks doesn’t mean they can’t.
3. Keep them together: Rabbits and guinea pigs are social creatures. Bonded pairs or groups should stay together – it helps reduce fear. Only separate them if absolutely necessary.
4. Try calming aids: Natural products like Pet Remedy can help reduce anxiety. Available as plug-ins, sprays or wipes, it contains calming botanicals including valerian, vetiver, and clary sage.
“Using something like Pet Remedy in the room can really help take the edge off their anxiety,” says veterinary nurse Rachel Bean RVN. “It’s safe for all pets – not just dogs and cats – and can make a noticeable difference when used in advance.”
5. Stick to their routine: Keep feeding and cleaning times as normal as possible. Familiarity provides reassurance.
6. Mask the noise: Play soothing music, white noise or low-volume TV to help drown out sudden sounds. Even a gentle fan can help.
7. Let them be: Avoid checking on them too often – it may cause extra stress. Get them settled before fireworks start, then leave them in peace.
For more advice, visit the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund: www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk
To find Pet Remedy calming products: www.petremedy.co.u