Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.
When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.
Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.
72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.
How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night
Cover your windows where possible
Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.
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In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.
The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.
It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.
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Stay calm yourself
It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.
As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.
There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…
Joules worked with animal behaviourist Kimberly Grundy to help develop these helpful Bonfire Night tips cats and dogs.They are one of many retailers that stock comforting cushions and blankets that are perfect for these occasions.
The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.
Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
Hiding or trying to find a safe space
Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
Dilated pupils
Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!
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You can find all the rest of the events happening for Guy Fawkes Night 2024 here:
Heaton Park announces the death of another one of its beloved resident donkeys
Emily Sergeant
Another one of Heaton Park’s beloved resident donkeys has sadly passed away, the park has announced this week.
Back in May of this year, Heaton Park shared the devastating news that one of its well-known resident donkeys called Lenny had been diagnosed with an endocrine disease, and would therefore have to start undergoing specialist medical treatment moving forward.
The treatment Lenny would be receiving was to support his health during his retirement, as not long prior to his diagnosis, he had reached approximately 30 years of age.
Considering that The Donkey Sanctuary says the average life expectancy for a donkey is just over 30, reaching this age was said to be a ‘significant achievement’ for Lenny and everyone who cared for him.
Sadly though, as the months went on, things started taking a turn for the worse.
Heaton Park‘s Estates Team requested an onsite vet visit after identifying some changes with Lenny’s health, and these changes were subsequently linked to a condition called hyperlipaemia.
It’s with ‘great sadness’ that the park had to announce to the public that Lenny passed away later that same day.
“Lenny was a staple in Heaton Park and was a significant star in the memories of both staff and our visitors, he will be deeply missed by us all,” the Estates Team said in a touching tribute shared on the park’s social media.
Lenny’s passing unfortunately comes not long after the death of one of Heaton Park’s post well-known resident donkeys, Ralph, who died in early June of this year at the grand old age of 40 years old – with many tributes being paid to him.
Following both Lenny and Ralph’s deaths, the Estates Team has assured visitors that the remaining two resident donkeys, Bonnie and Josh, are ‘doing well’ and are being ‘monitored closely’
Bonnie and Josh are being monitored closely for ‘any changes in behaviour which could indicate stress’ as a result of Lenny’s unexpected passing, as the Estates Team says that visitors may notice them on ‘a few extra walks’ around the park over the coming weeks.
Featured Image – Heaton Park & Hall (via Facebook)
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Lola Young cancels all upcoming shows after collapsing on stage
Danny Jones
Rising UK pop star Lola Young has unfortunately cancelled all of her upcoming gigs “for the foreseeable future” after recently collapsing live on stage.
This, of course, includes her two scheduled dates at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, as well as the rest of the dates on her breakout world tour.
Young, a BRIT School graduate whose career has taken off over the past year or so, took to social media to reluctantly inform fans that all her remaining shows are now cancelled as he prepares to take some time for herself and recover.
Admitting that it “pains her”, it is clearly the right decision for her overall health, and we hope she returns to full strength soon.
In case you missed the headlines or the clip that went viral online, Lola Young passed out mid-performance during the 2025 All Things Go music festival.
Whilst up on stage at the Forest Hills Stadium in New York, the 24-year-old singer could be visibly seen losing her footing and grasp of the microphone, before dropping it entirely and falling backwards as she lost consciousness.
Not only did this include a serious risk of head injury and/or concussion, but it is not the first time alarm bells have been raised surrounding her welfare in the past few months alone.
Shortly after struggling with in-ear monitors during her biggest-ever show at Wembley for Capital FM’s Summertime Ball, Young also threw up on stage during her Coachella debut.
The London-born artist has opened up multiple times in the past about struggling mentally at times, as well as ADHD and, most notably, her schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, which often revolves around symptoms such as depression, mania, mood irregularities and more
She ultimately had to pull out of a set in Washington, DC, as well; in fact, even before the incident this past Saturday (27 September), she told the crowd she had been having a difficult time.
Lola Young opens up about having a “tricky couple of days” at All Things Go NYC after canceling a Friday concert “due to a sensitive matter.”
Posting after the DC cancellation, Young said: “I love this job and never take my commitments and my audience for granted, so I’m sorry to those who will be disappointed by this.”
Echoing the same sentiment she shared above, she went on to add, “I hope you’ll give me another chance in the future. Thank you to all those who listen and care.
“To all those who love to be mean online, please give me a day off.”
It goes without saying that we wish her all the best, and that it’s worth noting that Lola Young isn’t the first artist who has risked putting entertainment before their own health, which raises real questions around what the industry can do to better safeguard individuals and prevent situations like this.
Thomas Melia -
5th November 2024 
