How to Keep Pets Calm During Fireworks

Fireworks can be scary for pets who don't understand that the loud noises and bright lights are not a threat. This can lead to anxiety symptoms such as barking, overgrooming, or bathroom accidents in the house because your pet doesn't understand that they're safe during this time.

 
In this blog, we will discuss how to keep your pet calm during fireworks and the best calming treatments for dogs and cats that get very stressed by fireworks. 

Fear in dogs and cats is a vital reaction that assists in survival and is a component in fight or flight fear responses. Different things scare different pets, but as many animals fear loud noises and flashing lights, fireworks can be incredibly overwhelming. This is mainly because your pet cannot understand what is happening or may perceive fireworks as threatening.  

Recognising the signs of fear in pets is essential to know how to comfort them effectively and help them feel safe. The most common signs of stress in pets include:  

• Excessive Barking or Vocalising—Since pets can't speak, they alert us to their fears or perceived threats in a way we'll notice. A fearful dog might bark nonstop, while a cat may growl or meow excessively.  
• Hiding—When cats are afraid, sick or anxious, they tend to hide under beds, other furniture, or in whatever small, safe space they can find. Just because you can't see your pet doesn't mean they're not struggling.  
• Restlessness—Pets will only settle if they feel safe enough to do so, which is a defence mechanism from when they were wild animals. If your pet is pacing, circling, or refuses to settle, this could be a sign they're afraid or anxious.  
• Fearful Body Language—Fear can elicit certain bodily responses from pets, such as trying to appear small, keeping their bodies low, changing pupil dilation, or flat ears.  
• Self-Soothing— Pets soothe themselves differently, but you may notice scared pets being clingier or over-grooming themselves. 

If you see these signs of fear in your pet this time of year, fireworks are likely triggering their fight-or-flight response. Our blog below explains more about pets during fireworks season, or read on to learn how to help.  

If your pet is scared of fireworks or reacts badly to the lights and sounds, you can help them feel better. Comforting your pet is the best way to ease their anxiety during peak display times. Below are some of our top tips for calming pets during fireworks. 

Sometimes, flight or fight can be very literal. When fearful, pets may search for a way to escape the perceived threat. This can lead to cats darting across roads, dogs escaping gardens, and more.  

Keeping your pet inside during peak fireworks hours (4 pm to Late) can help ensure they stay safe from running into busy roads or getting lost.

Having your pet indoors allows you to control their environment to help them feel safer. Calming Diffusers, such as the Adaptil Calming Diffuser for dogs or FELIWAY® Help! for cats.

Fireworks are loud and bright, so keeping your curtains closed can block out or at least muffle the lights and sounds. This can make it much easier to keep your pet calm, as they won't notice the lights and the noise will sound muffled.  

Keeping your windows closed stops unwanted escapes. This is especially important for cats that like to go in and out through open windows.  

Pets like to feel safe, and providing them with a cosy, warm spot like a bed, crate, or cat cubby can give them that reassurance.

When fireworks trigger your pet, send them to their safe space and reward their good behaviour. Make sure their safe space is close so they can still see or be near you but out of the way of any windows where noises might be louder.  

If your pet doesn't already have a designated safe space, you can create one by keeping them in a room where they spend a lot of time and playing music to distract them from the fireworks. Classic FM even has radio shows dedicated to playing calming, classical music to help pets during peak fireworks dates (from 5pm to 9pm on Saturday, November 2, and Tuesday, November 5). 

You can provide your pet with extra reassurance in this space by spraying a pet-calming spray, such as the Beaphar CatComfort® Calming Spray for cats or ADAPTIL® Anxiety Spray for dogs. 

If you can focus your pet's attention elsewhere during fireworks displays, you can prevent them from reacting to them in the first place.  

Interactive or food toys can be a lifesaver here, especially for food-oriented pets. Filling a KONG® treat toy with your pet's favourite treats can keep them busy. 

You can also offer a LickiMat® Classic Soother™, which encourages lapping to release endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals help reduce anxiety and make your pet feel calm. 

Playing with your pet can also provide a great distraction that keeps your pet focused on you and wears them out enough that they settle easier despite the chaos outside. Engaging dogs with tug-of-war or fetching toys like the KONG® Wubba™ Toy for Dogs can be a great choice, and teaser toys like this KONG® Active Swizzle Bird Teaser Toy is perfect for tempting cats.

When things are uncertain, our pets look to us for guidance. Remaining calm and going about your business as usual can help reassure your pet that they're safe and nothing is wrong. You can do this by having the TV on when you usually would, playing music, and just being at home with your pet.  

 Pets that feel fear when you're away are more likely to suffer separation anxiety as well and seek other methods of comfort, such as chewing things, scratching furniture, or barking excessively to try and alert you. If you plan to go to a display, we recommend calling a family member, friend, or pet sitter to be with your pets.

Integrating calming supplements like the Zylkene® Calming Supplement for Cats and Dogs into your pet's routine before fireworks night can have a calming effect when you're gone.  

Not all pets cope as well as others, and fireworks can be extremely distressing for more fearful dogs and cats. If this is the case, call your vet for a consultation before peak fireworks dates for advice. They may prescribe short-term pet calming medications or offer alternative methods tailored to your pet's triggers. 

Fireworks are unavoidable at this time of year, and while pet-safe fireworks are available, not everyone will be using them. Make sure you familiarise yourself with when displays are happening near you, and ensure you exercise your pet before these times to ensure they're safe indoors while fireworks are on.  

For some added support this Fireworks season, why not browse our complete range of dog and cat calmers below, including options from clinically proven* brands, such as Zylkene®, YuMove® Calming Care and more! 

*Kynetec market data, MAT Jul 2022

This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should thoroughly discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle with your vet before starting any program or treatment. 

This post was written by a human.