Fear of fireworks in small pets

Even small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters experience stress around the New Year. They can be frightened by the sudden loud noises they hear or the flashes of light they see. They relax best in their own familiar environment, and changing their living space can lead to stress. Therefore, it’s important to consider the type of small pet you have and what you can do to help them feel secure.

General tips for creating a calmer environment

• Create a safe hiding place. Small animals like to hide and feel more secure in dark places where they can retreat and stay out of sight. Make sure you accommodate this need. Cover part of the hutch with a blanket for a more sheltered feel, and add a rodent house, or a coconut shell hideaway to their enclosure. A tunnel or willow bridge can also serve as a hiding spot.
• Indoors or outdoors? If your small pets live indoors, it’s easier to shield them from outdoor sounds and smells. If your rabbits or guinea pigs live outdoors, however, this is a bit more challenging. Because they are sensitive to large temperature fluctuations, it’s not advisable to bring them indoors suddenly. You could place them temporarily in a garage or shed, where sounds are muffled without extreme temperature changes. A blanket over the hutch can also help.
• Supportive products. Calming sprays or supplements can contribute to greater relaxation and less anxiety. This doesn’t mean they will be completely unafraid, but it does increase comfort and a sense of safety. For example, Beaphar RabbitComfort can reassure your rabbits, and there is Bach Blossom available for small pets.
• Stay calm. Small animals are sensitive to unexpected changes, including your own behaviour. Try to maintain a ‘normal’ daily routine for your pet.
• Distraction: By shifting their focus to new safe toys, hay, branches, or treats, they’re less focused on the fireworks sounds. This can help them feel less stressed and see the New Year in more comfortably.

Firework anxiety and digestive health

Rabbits and guinea pigs, in particular, have sensitive digestive systems that can be disrupted by too much stress. Their digestion may slow, posing risks like gas build-up or even gut stasis. Because you want to avoid this at all costs, minimising stress is key. If your rabbit or rodent starts eating less or stops eating altogether, this is an emergency. Contact your vet as soon as possible, as prompt action is crucial!

How does stress affect your pet’s immunity?

Periods of tension can significantly lower the immunity of rabbits and rodents. The immune system weakens, making them more susceptible to infections and illnesses. During prolonged stress, animals may develop symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and digestive issues. To give their immunity extra support, you can try a supplement like Bunny Nature – goVet – Immunoplex or Oropharma Opti-Vit.