Taylor Swift and cuddles on the couch: How to keep furry friends calm this Bonfire Night
05 November 2024
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New research from Co-op Insurance reveals that the majority (56%) of Britain’s cats and dogs are distressed on Bonfire Night, with adopted pets more likely to struggle during firework displays*
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The insurance provider’s member-owners have revealed the ways in which they keep their furry friends calm on Bonfire Night
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This includes playing songs to their pets such as Taylor Swift’s ‘Betty’ and The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ during firework displays
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Co-op Insurance’s veterinary partner, FirstVet has also advised on how families can help their pets to de-stress during displays
With Bonfire Night just around the corner, Co-op Insurance is providing Brits with advice on how to keep their furry friends calm during displays as the majority (56%) admit that their pets struggle with fireworks.
Research from the member-owned organisation shows that pets and their owners face difficult evenings around Bonfire Night, with more than half (56%) of the nation’s cats and dogs left distressed by fireworks.
Adopted pets appear to be particularly sensitive to the loud noises caused by fireworks as over three in five (61%) of those who have adopted a rescue cat or dog state that their furry friend struggles on Bonfire Night.
However, while most pets are far from comfortable during the pyrotechnic displays, owners have developed their own techniques for helping to keep their cat or dog’s anxiety levels to a minimum.
Niele Bezerra, a Co-op member-owner is one of the many Brits whose furry friend faces a tough time during firework season. Niele, from the North West, has a three-year-old miniature daschund named Jeff, who has struggled with Bonfire Night in the past, but she and her husband have found an unusual technique for keeping him calm.
Niele said: “Jeff’s funny and he really loves people - he’s the light of our lives! However, he certainly doesn’t enjoy fireworks, so Bonfire Night can be a struggle.
“When displays can be heard, we try to be with him all the time to calm him down and he’ll sit on our laps.
“My husband has found that singing to him during fireworks, really helps – Jeff loves it! We find that the more out of tune the singing is, the better!”
Meanwhile, other pet owners opt to save their vocal cords and find that playing certain songs can be very effective in helping to calm their pets during loud firework displays.
Co-op Insurance’s research found that Taylor Swift’s ‘The Lakes’ and ‘Betty’ are among the soothing songs respondents use to relax their pets, as well as The Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’ and Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’. These songs make up a playlist curated by the member-owned organisation that’s available to download on Spotify.*
However, for those that may still be concerned about the impact of Bonfire Night on their pet, FirstVet, a 24/7 independent digital veterinary clinic partnering with Co-op Insurance, advise that there are a number of ways to help calm your cat or dog during firework displays.**
FirstVet Lead Vet, Emma Bower explained: “Fireworks can be a scary time for our pets as they don't understand what the loud noises and bright flashes in the sky are.
“The best ways that you can help them is by staying calm, offering them fuss and attention, if they require it. Often walking your dog earlier in the day can be beneficial, as well as creating a den or safe space for your pet at home.
“During displays, close your curtains and blinds, play classical music or have the TV on louder than normal. A pheromone calming spray for dogs on their bedding can also be very effective.
If you’re unsure, make sure you talk to your vets or FirstVet about any medication or supplements that might help.”
The stress felt by cats or dogs during firework displays can be a real cause for concern for pet owners and there are several tell-tale signs that a pet is suffering from noise anxiety. According to FirstVet, these signs can include:
- Pacing
- Whining
- Trying to escape or dig a hole
- Hold their tail between their legs
- Not settling in their bed
- Excessive panting
Andrew Nevitt, Head of Co-op Pet Insurance, said:
“We recognise that this time of year can be stressful for both pets and their owners as private and public events are held to mark Bonfire Night across the country.
“Fireworks can be a cause of real distress for cats and dogs and our research shows that noise anxiety affects the majority of the nation’s pets, particularly those that have been rescued.
“We want to reassure people that there are steps that they can take to mitigate the impact of fireworks and keep their pets calm, from playing music to simply being in the room with them.
For more information about Co-op pet insurance, visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/pet-insurance?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[BR]_[Pet]_-_Brand_-_Pet_Insurance_-_[E]&utm_term=co_op_pet_insurance&&infinity=ict2~net~gaw~cmp~%5BBR%5D%20%5BPet%5D%20-%20Brand%20-%20Pet%20Insurance%20Customer_Match~ag~Pet%20-%20Co%20Op~ar~575362350156~kw~co%20op%20pet%20insurance~mt~e&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr6fDnKnFiQMV5ItQBh0f2w5DEAAYASAAEgJ_KvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
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Notes to the Editor
Research based on survey of 12,597 Co-op members conducted between 18.10.2024-28.10.2024. *Co-op Insurance Spotify playlist based on responses from members, as part of survey:https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/open.spotify.com/playlist/5uFEMLZENAyBizjamLQZDF?si=Bh73oIXQTTyJbTWjKQ5n8w&nd=1&dlsi=9e02e82d4c30427e__;!!F0Stn7g!FI9-PkRBq05rq7Gh7Q5sXWSDnd_XIRBJOoc5TLwMJsETzjSbK8dY04-_KPgFz9Gr0lC52PmC_UeDy2mn7VxpAaNb7Y2y7d0$
Co-op Insurance customers and members can enjoy 24/7 access to vets online and can book a vet video consultation anytime through FirstVet without paying an excess, it affecting their premium or counting as a claim. Customers and members can also get a 2.5% discount if their pet is adopted from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre. This introductory discount applies for the first year only and is subject to minimum premiums.
Signs of noise anxiety
- Pacing
- Yawning
- Whining
- Restlessness
- Shaking
- Hiding or trying to dig/escape
- Panting excessively
- Not settling in their bed
- Drooling
- Holding their tail between their legs
- Separation-related behavioural problems: vocalising, destructive behaviour
- Self-mutilation/injury
- Aggression
About Co-op
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,300 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 4,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.
Employing almost 55,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.
For further information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk