Spiced Apple Whizz Bangs Ingredients

Bonfire night, let’s face it, doesn’t just last a night. Some rejoice in it, stand with their sparklers with an undercooked burnt jacket potato, watching the fireworks light up the sky. Some prefer to stay inside the warm, preferring  to put their feet up in front of the TV. But, some spend long evenings trying to comfort their petrified pets that hate and cannot fathom, ‘what or where that noise is?’

I consider myself lucky in that neither my dog or my cats are the least bit bothered by all the fuss. At first, in their younger days, they may have been a little more nervous, running around, startled. But as the years have passed, they prefer just to doze through it, maybe with the odd eyebrow getting raised. For many pet owners however, nights are filled with their furry family member extremely stressed and anxious. That said, there are steps that you can take to hopefully ease some of the fear. 

Advice from the RSPCA, How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Fireworks | RSPCA who, by the way estimates that 45% of U.K. dogs show signs of fear during this time, says that a little preparation may help. 

For cats, they suggest ensuring that your cat has a hidey hole to escape to; under the bed for example, to make them feel a little safer. This makes sense, as cats love to hide at the best of times. Alternatively, for dogs they suggest a safe doggy den. Again a quieter area, where your dog can retreat to, maybe with some of their favourite toys or chews to aid with distraction, whilst playing  soothing music to try to dim some of the noise.

For the past few years Classic FM have gone so far as to host a few nights during the fireworks season, recognising that this is an issue that many just have to put up with. Called Classic FM pet sounds, it is dedicated to helping nervous dogs and cats to relax by playing soothing and relaxing music to get everyone, including their stressed out families through the night.

If pets really struggle and the above RSPCA ideas don’t help, then they do recommend a visit to your vet may be in order to discuss further options. Maybe something else to ease the pain, could be these Firework Night inspired spiced apple and treats. 

Spiced Apple Whizz Bangs Ingredients

30g oats

1/2 peeled, grated apple (no pips!)

1/2 mashed banana 

85g Wholemeal flour

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to form a soft dough.

If the mixture is too sticky add a little more oats or flour.

When a dough is formed, roll out onto a floured work surface into a 1cm thickness.

Using cookie cutters, cut into individual treats and place onto a lined baking tray.

Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool.

To be given as treats only and don’t forget, dogs can suffer allergies too, you may need to alter flours used if you require to go gluten free!