Helping Your Pet to Stay Calm During Fireworks

Firework season is fast approaching, and while it may be exciting for you and your family, it can be a scary time for your pets. The flashes and bangs that we enjoy so much are frightening for many dogs, cats, and rabbits. However, firework season does not have to be a time of year that you and your pet dread, as there are a few simple steps you can take to help keep your pet calm and safe.   

Is my pet coping during fireworks?  

For some pets, it is obvious they are upset and frightened by fireworks, while other pets may only show subtle signs that can be more difficult to recognise. However, as most of our pets have much more sensitive hearing than we do, you should always take steps to protect them from becoming distressed whenever they hear fireworks.   

Common signs of distress shown by pets struggling during firework season include, 

• Hiding  
• Trying to escape or run away  
• Pacing and unable to settle   
• Panting  
• Decreased appetite  
• Loss of toilet training  
• Shaking and trembling  
• Vocalising and barking (cats and dogs) 
• Salivating or drooling (dogs) 
• Shadowing behaviour (dogs) 
• Over-grooming (cats) 
• Stamping hindlegs (rabbits) 
• Freezing (rabbits and other small animals)  
• Sudden death (rabbits and other small animals) 

Our small animal pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, are prey species, so they do not usually show obvious signs of distress. Animals who are particularly sensitive to noise might even die suddenly due to stressful auditory stimuli. So, it is important you try to protect your small animal pets from the effects of fireworks, as they may not show that they’re struggling, even if they are. 

Preparing for firework season  

Preparing your pet for firework season should start in the weeks before any fireworks are heard. By making a few changes to your pet’s environment, you can make them feel more comfortable and secure, which will help them cope if they become frightened. 

Steps to help your pet prepare for the upcoming firework season, 

• Make your dog a safe space – This should be an area your dog always has free access to. It may be a covered dog crate, a den behind the sofa, or a hiding place under a table. Make sure it is comfortable and inviting for your pet by adding their bed and favourite toys. 

• Allow your cat access to their favourite hiding places – This may be under a bed, in a cupboard or on top of a high shelf. Make sure they can have continual access to this space.  

• Bring any small animals who normally live outdoors, inside – If you can, move your pet’s house into the garage or inside your home. If this is not possible, cover your pet’s house with blankets to help protect them from the noise.  

• Use a pheromone diffuser (Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats) or a calming diffuser (Pet Remedy for all pets) – Pheromone and calming diffusers can take some time to start working, so for the best effect, start using them as soon as possible. They should be plugged in near your pet’s safe space and regularly checked, so they can be replaced as soon as they run out.  

• Make sure your pet is microchipped – If your pet manages to escape or run away, having them microchipped will give you the best chance of being reunited with your pet.  

How can I help my pet stay calm while fireworks are happening?

Unfortunately, firework displays and your neighbours’ fireworks parties do not all take place on the same date. Instead, our pets are now exposed to the terrifying bangs and bright flashes for several days and weeks. However, once firework season starts, there are additional ways you can help your pet stay calm, as well as keeping your pet safe.  

Steps for keeping pets calm  

• Do not leave your pet home alone. 

• Close curtains and blinds before it gets dark. 

• Keep your cat in overnight – If your cat goes outside, keep them safe by keeping them in overnight during the firework season. Remember to lock cat flaps and to close windows and doors. 

• Provide small animals with extra bedding to hide in. 

• Play calming background music – some radio stations and online channels specifically play pet calming lists on firework nights. 

• Offer treat toys – Dogs and cats can be given puzzle toys, a Kong toy or a chew to help keep them calm. Some pets will not be interested, but it can help distract others.  

• Walk your dog in daylight and keep them on a lead – Walking your dog early, when it is light, will help reduce your dog’s chance of hearing any fireworks, while keeping them on a lead will keep your dog safe from running away if they become frightened by any unexpected fireworks. 

• Let your pet hide – If your pet wants to hide, do not try to bring them out of their hiding place. Instead, leave them alone until they are ready to come out.  

• Comfort your pet if they come to you for reassurance – Some pets may come to you for comfort and a fuss, so stay with them and let them follow you around if it helps keep them calm.    

Helping pets with a long-term firework phobia

If your pet struggles with firework season every year or has other noise sensitivities, they will often benefit from treatment for their firework phobia. Treatment can take many months of dedicated training before you see an improvement, but if successful, the effects can be life-changing for you and your pet.  

• Get your pet assessed by one of our vets in advance of fireworks starting – If your pet gets upset by fireworks or other loud noises, bring them in to see one of our vets before firework season starts. Our vets will check your pet for any signs of pain or underlying illnesses before helping you decide on a treatment plan to get you through this year’s fireworks.  

• Desensitisation program – For dogs who are anxious about fireworks, desensitisation programs can be used to help your pet long-term. These programs expose your dog to the sound of fireworks, starting very quietly, at a level that does not cause your dog to react. Slowly, over several months, the volume is gradually increased at a pace that does not upset your dog. There are many different noise desensitisation programs available, but the Dogs Trust offer a free version with a user guide to help you get started.  

• Referral to a Veterinary Behaviourist – For pets with a severe fear of fireworks, our vets may recommend referring your pet to a Veterinary Behaviourist registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, for specialist advice and treatment.  

• Medication – Some pets may require short-term medication to help them through the upcoming firework season. This treatment may be combined with advice from a Veterinary Behaviourist or the use of a desensitisation program.   

Firework season can be a difficult time of year for our pets, but you do not need to struggle through it alone. We understand how distressing it can be for you to watch your beloved pet when they are frightened and scared, so our veterinary team are here to help you through this year’s fireworks.