Keeping your pets safe during fireworks season

October 19, 2022

The loud bangs and bright colours that make fireworks enjoyable for us can be scary for our pets. Now this year’s firework season is almost here, it is time to think about the steps we can take to help our pets cope and to keep them safe.

How to help your dog cope with fireworks

During firework season, every dog owner can help keep their pet calm and safe by making a few small changes to their routine. This is beneficial for all dogs, even if your pet does not seem to be bothered by fireworks.

Enjoy exercising your dog safely

If a dog hears fireworks while out on a walk, they can find the experience scary and distressing. Some dogs may respond by running away, even if they usually have a reliable recall.

Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe while out exercising,

• Exercise your dog before it gets dark – Chose a time when it is light, and they will not hear any fireworks.
• Keep your dog on a lead – This will prevent your pet from fleeing or running into the road if they get scared by any loud noises.
• Make sure your garden is escape-proof – Frightened dogs may try to run away, even from a familiar garden. Check that your dog cannot escape before letting them out in the evening.
• Make sure your dog is microchipped and has an ID tag on their collar – Check your microchip details are up to date so if your dog goes missing, you have the best chance of being reunited.

Making your house a calmer environment for your dog

A calm home environment can help your dog stay settled. Here are a few simple steps to help a dog feel safer at home during the firework season.

• Close the curtains before it goes dark – This can help block out the flashes of fireworks and provide some sound insulation.
• Play background music or turn on the TV – This can help block out the sound of the fireworks. There are even pet-friendly calming playlists available for owners to play.
• Build your dog a den/safe place – Frightened and anxious dogs may feel safer if they can hide, so by providing them with a den behind a chair or under a table can help keep them calm. Set up the den a couple of weeks before firework night, so your dog is familiar with the area. A covered crate can also make a suitable den, but the door should always be left open so your dog can choose when they use their safe space.
• Add a cover to help soundproof your dog’s den – Make sure that the cover is secure and cannot fall onto your pet because this could scare them.
• Use a pheromone diffuser such as Adaptil for dogs – Pheromone diffusers should be set up near your dog’s safe place at least a couple of weeks before firework season. Their use can help create a calming environment by providing comfort for your dog during stressful events. It is important that the diffuser is dog specific because pheromones for other species will not work.
• Boredom toys – Treat and puzzle toys can be a useful distraction for your pet. Some dogs may feel too anxious to eat or play during firework displays, but others may find it calming.
• Do not leave your pet alone at home
• Be guided by your dog’s behaviour – Some pets will look for reassurance from you when frightened, so will welcome some fuss. However, others will prefer to hide and should not be disturbed.

What to do if your dog gets distressed by fireworks

Some dogs will become very distressed by loud noises, and the above steps may not be sufficient for keeping your dog calm. If your dog is struggling to cope with fireworks, one of our vets can prescribe medication to help them through the firework season, so speak to our veterinary team as early as you can for advice.

Signs of distress may include,

• Pacing
• Yawning
• Salivating
• Vocalising
• Panting
• Hiding
• Destructive behaviour
• Loss of toilet training

Once firework season is over, noise desensitisation training may be useful for your dog. To have the best chance of being successful this needs to be started months before the next fireworks season, so speak to one of our vets for more information. For dogs with severe noise sensitivity, our vets may advise a referral to a Veterinary Behaviourist registered with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.

How to keep your cat safe during firework season

Cats are usually very independent individuals who like routine. However, cats can still easily become frightened and disorientated by loud noises, especially if they are outside.

How to keep your cat safe during firework season,

• Keep your cat inside during the night –This will prevent them from running away if they become frightened by loud fireworks. Do not forget to lock cat flaps and shut doors and windows to prevent your cat from getting out.
• Provide your cat with a hiding place – Some cats prefer hiding high up on shelves, so make sure they have a safe place that is always easily accessible.
• Use a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway – Similar to their use in dogs, pheromones can be used to help keep your cat calm. For maximum benefit, the cat friendly diffuser should be set up a couple of weeks before any fireworks start.
• Keep microchip details up to date – Make sure your cat is microchipped and that your details are correct, as even indoor cats may try to escape if frightened. You have more chance of being reunited with your lost pet if they are microchipped.

Helping small pets cope with fireworks

Small pets can also easily become frightened by fireworks, as they are particularly sensitive to loud noises. This can be severe enough to cause them to stop eating, so owners need to be extra observant about their pet’s health over firework season.

How to keep small pets safe,

• Use plenty of extra clean, dry bedding – This will enable your pets to hide.
• Cover their house with a blanket – This will help block out the noise and flashes.
• If possible, bring outdoor pets inside – Garages can be used to shelter outdoor pets and can provide some sound insulation.
• Do not handle your pet if they are hiding – Let your pet hide if they choose to because handling them at this time can increase your pet’s stress.

Firework season can be a difficult time of year for any pet. However, a few small changes at home can help make many pets feel calmer. If you notice that your pet is not coping with the sound of fireworks, you should speak to one of our vets for advice as soon as possible. They will be able to prescribe any medication your pet may need and help support you through this stressful time.