Classic FM joins forces with RSPCA once again to help pets during firework season

​Article provided by Dan Walker - Host of Classic FM’s Pet Classics.

Over the years, I’ve spent many Bonfire Nights with family and friends at one of those big public fireworks displays. But this year, I’m looking
forward to swapping the cold outside for a warm and comfortable Classic FM studio, as I take on a new presenting job – hosting the second of Classic FM’s Pet Classics programmes.
 
Classic FM has teamed up with the RSPCA once again to bring you two special programmes, full of calming music, to help your pets and animals (and you, the owners!) stay calm and relaxed during fireworks season. The first programme was presented by my Classic FM colleague Charlotte Hawkins on Saturday. On Tuesday 5th November, Bonfire Night itself, I’ll be hosting the second show from 5pm to 9pm. It’s great to have the RSPCA onboard again as they bring their expertise and advice on how to create the perfect oasis for our pets.
 
My home in Sheffield is also the residence of our very loveable and cheeky ten-year-old Cockapoo called Winnie. We’re always mindful of her when it comes to Bonfire Night, making sure she’s comfortable and secure, and I know for thousands of pets and animals, it can be a very upsetting time. In an impact survey by the RSPCA last year, two-thirds of respondents reported that private back garden displays caused their animals distress, and that playing relaxing music is the most popular way for pet owners to help relax their animals or prepare them calm for Bonfire Night.
 
At Classic FM, we know that listening to classical music makes a real difference to how we feel, and there have been many studies, on people and animals, about it. And that’s why we came up with Pet Classics, to create a home for the nation’s pets during what can be a stressful time.
 
Our team at Classic FM have carefully curated a selection of the most soothing music, specially chosen to calm any nervous pet or anxious owner. As well as the relaxing pieces, I’ll be playing music that has been inspired by or written about animals. They include a delightful piece – Mina – by composer Edward Elgar, which he wrote about his Cairn Terrier. We also have Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony, which was inspired by the composer listening to nature and birdsong on his country walks. And there’s Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.17. Mozart owned a pet starling, whose song is featured in the concerto.

Alongside the music, we’re sharing some important practical advice from the RSPCA on how to get your pets ready for fireworks season. They include things like giving them plenty of exercise during the day to naturally tire them out, as this can help with their anxiety, and making sure that all windows and curtains are closed in the evening to reduce the sound Mo and lights from the fireworks.
 
I will also be reading out lots of dedications from listeners to their pets, so I would love you to get in touch. Send me your messages and photos of you and your pets listening to the show, by texting me on 61812 or emailing me via the Classic FM website.
 
While I am new to the Pet Classics family this year, this is the seventh year that Classic FM has been broadcasting programmes for pets during fireworks season. They launched in 2018 with the legendary Bill Turnbull, an animal lover and dog owner. I followed in Bill’s footsteps onto the BBC Breakfast sofa years ago and it’s a privilege to be stepping into his significant slippers again to host Pet Classics.
 
You can listen back to Saturday’s Pet Classics with Charlotte Hawkins via Global Player. Then join me live on Bonfire Night, Tuesday 5th November, from 5pm to 9pm, for the second Pet Classics programme on Classic FM. You and your pets and animals will be so welcome. 
 
Then, when the fireworks have stopped, I’d love you to join me every weekday from 6.30am, when I present Classic FM Breakfast.  We think it’s the best possible way to start the day.  And if you’re a dog walker, then why not take part in my daily feature, Dan Walker’s Dog Walker (someone else thought up the name!), where we shine the spotlight on a human and their hound each morning. Come and join us!
 
Classic FM’s Pet Classics with Dan Walker is broadcast on Tuesday 5th November, from 5pm to 9pm, available across the UK on Global Player – the official Classic FM app – on DAB+ digital radio and TV, 100-102 FM and at ClassicFM.com.