Fireworks Stress

Helping Your Pet Cope With Fireworks

Pets become scared and distressed when fireworks are being let off, this is because animals have very acute hearing and the bangs and squeals associated with fireworks cause pain in their ears.

Signs of distress

• Pacing up and down
• Panting heavily
• Barking more than usual
• Trembling
• Hiding
• Being destructive
• Soiling unexpectedly

There are a number of practical steps you can take to help your pet and in addition to these steps there are a range of calming products which will also help to de-stress your pet at this time.

Helping Dogs & Cats during fireworks periods

Indoors

• Keep your pet indoors and keep your doors and windows closed and draw your blinds and curtains to muffle the noise.
• Try and avoid leaving your pet alone in the house while fireworks are going off, and if they have an accident or become destructive while you are out then don't get angry with them.
• Give your pet a 'den' or 'safe place' where they can go when the fireworks are going off, make sure their bed is easily accessible and move it away from any windows or doors. Using a cage or crate with a fitted cover is great for creating a safe place, also your pet may go under a table or bed. If they do this don’t try and coax them out just make this space more comfortable for them by putting their bed in it.
• Put on some music or the TV so the noise is drowned out but don’t have it too loud, also make sure your pet is used to this noise in advance of fireworks.
• If your pet stays with you in the living room then comfort and reassure your pet.

Outside

• Feed your pet earlier and then walk your dog earlier when it is still daylight, don’t leave your pet outside or tie your dog up outside a shop when fireworks are going off.
• Always walk your dog with a lead even if they are used to walking without one, if a dog gets scared by a firework they could run off, or out in front of traffic.
• Make sure Cat Flaps are closed so your cat can't get out.
• Make sure that your cat has an ID tag or is microchiped, so if they run off then you have a better chance of getting them back.

Helping Small Animals during fireworks periods

• If your pet lives outside, then try and bring them inside while fireworks are going off, or move their hutch or pen into a garage or shed for comfort.
• Alternatively cover their hutch or pen with an old thick blanket to reduce the noise levels for your pet.
• Additionally, give you pet lots of extra bedding so they can burrow down into it which will also reduce the noise and also gives your pet more comfort.