Table of Contents
When is Firework season?
How to keep pets safe around fireworks
Why is my pet scared of fireworks?
How to calm your pet?
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Pets and Fireworks: How to keep your pet calm
- By Emma
-
- September 18, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
Holding your shaking dog during Bonfire Night? Comforting your scaredy cat on New Year’s Eve? Don’t worry, we get it. While most people love fireworks, it’s not always our pets’ favourite time of the year - here’s our tips to help your pet stay calm amid the bangs and booms.
When is Firework season?
In the UK, fireworks are set off during:
- Bonfire Night (5th November): Perhaps the biggest night for fireworks in Britain, celebrating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
- Diwali: This Hindu festival of lights usually falls between October and November, and often involves fireworks.
- New Year’s Eve: As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks light up the skies to ring in the New Year.
- Chinese New Year: Typically celebrated between late January and February, fireworks are a big part of this festival.
So ‘firework season’ tends to refer to the later part of the year when these celebrations occur. This means your pet might have to endure several weeks of unpredictable noise, bangs and crackles. Be prepared for all of the loudness with our vet-recommended tips below!
How to keep pets safe around fireworks
When it comes to keeping your pets safe during this loud season, Head Vet at Itch, Dr Zoe Costigan BVSC BSC(HONS) CERT AVP MRCVS suggests you:
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Make sure to have a safe space: Set up a quiet, cosy spot in your home where your pet can hide out when the fireworks start. This could be a familiar room with their bed, some blankets, and a few favourite toys. For dogs, a crate covered with a blanket can create a den-like space that feels secure.
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Close windows and curtains: Block out the noise and flashes of light by keeping windows closed and drawing the curtains. This can help to reduce the impact of the fireworks, creating a more controlled environment for your pet.
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Play soothing sounds: Drown out the bangs with some calming music or turn on the TV. Classical music or specially designed pet playlists can be particularly soothing. We’d recommend this playlist for anxious dogs.
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Keep them indoors: Make sure your pet is safely inside before the fireworks start. Even if your dog usually enjoys a night-time walk, it’s best to take them out earlier in the evening to avoid any sudden scares.
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Update microchip and ID tags: Just in case your pet does manage to bolt, having their microchip details and collars with all up to date details will increase the chances of being reunited quickly.
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Avoid telling them off: If your pet becomes anxious, telling them off will only make things worse. This can increase their stress and make them associate fireworks with even more negativity.
Why is my pet scared of fireworks?
It’s not uncommon for pets to be frightened by fireworks, and there are a few reasons why:
The loud and sudden noises startle pets and trigger a fear response. Your pet has much sharper hearing than you, so remember it might not be loud for you but it certainly is for them.
The bright and unexpected flashes of light can be confusing and frightening for pets.
Fireworks are unpredictable, making it difficult for pets to adjust. They don’t understand that the noise isn’t a threat, so they react instinctively, often with fear.
If a pet has had a bad experience with fireworks in the past, they’re likely to become anxious when they hear them again. This could be from being left alone during a display or being too close to a particularly loud firework.
It’s not always known that genetic disposition plays a role in pets’ reactions to fireworks. Some pets are naturally more anxious or skittish than others. Breeds that are more sensitive or highly strung may be more likely to develop a fear of fireworks.
How to calm your pet?
If your pet is one of the many who finds all kinds of changes distressing, not just fireworks, don’t worry, here’s how to help them calm down:
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Stay calm yourself
Pets are incredibly attuned to their owners' emotions. If you remain calm and relaxed, your pet is more likely to follow suit.
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Comfort them
It’s okay to comfort your pet if they’re scared. Gently petting them and speaking in a soothing tone can help reassure them.
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Use calming products
There are various products available that can help reduce anxiety in pets, like the Itch Calm treats for cats and dogs or the Itch Chill Out for cats - A refillable diffuser that releases natural pheromones to ease cats and get rid of any worrying behaviours.
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Provide distractions
Keep your pet occupied with their favourite toys or a long-lasting chew. Even playing with them can provide a good enough distraction from the noise outside.
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Training
In the long term, desensitisation training can be beneficial. This involves gradually exposing your pet to the sounds of fireworks at a low volume and rewarding them for staying calm. Over time, this can help reduce their fear.
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Chat to a vet
If your pet’s fear of fireworks is severe, it might be worth speaking to an expert. Our Vet Team, led by Head Vet, Dr Zoe are on hand to support any worrying pets - drop us a message or pick up the phone.
Fireworks can be a stressful time for pets, but preparing for their anxieties can really help keep you both relaxed during a noisy time. We don’t want you to worry alone, our expert Vet Team is on hand to answer any questions you might have or advice you need for your pet. On the phone or via WhatsApp, we are here Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm every week!
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