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Fireworks and loud noises top list of dogs’ biggest fears
Guide Dogs has put together advice for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night.
Guide Dogs issues advice for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night

More than a quarter of pet owners say their dog’s biggest fears are fireworks and loud noises, according to new research.

More than 32,000 people were surveyed in the Guide Dogs’ Great British Dogs Survey. Of these, 8,473 people said their dogs were more scared of fireworks than being left alone or going to the vet.

In light of its findings, Guide Dogs has put together advice for pet owners ahead of Bonfire Night, which includes looking out for the warning signs of stress, getting dogs used to the noise and making dogs relaxed on the day.

Guide Dogs volunteer Sophie Vann, uffered her own negative fireworks experience last year while walking her one-year-old guide dog puppy, Vixen.  
 
Sophie said: “I was out for a walk with my partner when a firework was thrown into an underpass we were heading through. The noise scared the life out of us, especially Vixen. She wasn’t herself for a few months after.”

Sophie explained that it took about three months of careful training to get Vixen used to loud noises again and that she was already thinking about this year’s fireworks back in July.

“It’s all about building layers of confidence. Since the incident, I prepare for fireworks season early and start by playing a fireworks playlist on my computer in the weeks and months leading up to it,” she said. “Gradually I increase the volume, but I’m careful to ensure this is done gently to avoid making Vixen feel anxious.

“As for Bonfire Night itself, I’ll make sure she gets fed earlier, so that she can go out in the garden before the fireworks start. I’ll also move her bed away from the backdoor so that she can’t see the flashes. Vixen is going to be a guide dog mum in the future so I have to make sure she’s as comfortable as possible.” 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.