Fireworks are becoming more popular at festivals, local council events and celebrations. Although the air display is stunning to look at, they can be a nightmare for your pets. How can you recognise if your dog is afraid of fireworks? And how can you help calm your dog, cat, or other small pets during fireworks? Read these tips to be fully prepared when the night sky lights up.
Why are dogs afraid of fireworks?
Not all dogs are afraid of fireworks, but for most the loud bangs can cause distress. Depending on your distance to the fireworks, the smell, sound, and flashes can make your pooch jump.
Not only that, but the unpredictability of the fireworks can startle your dog. They can’t anticipate when the next bang will come, just like when a car backfires. Every time fireworks go off becomes a new reason for your dog to jump.
Another reason why dogs are afraid of fireworks, is because their ears are far more sensitive than ours. They hear higher frequencies and sounds at greater distances than humans. No wonder they want to hide under the bed!
How can I tell if my dog is afraid?
Dogs have certain ways of showing their distress. You can tell if your dog is afraid of fireworks if they:
- are pacing and seem unsettled
- have their ears down or pinned back
- have their tail between their legs
- are whining or growling
- are visibly shaking
- are panting or have shallow breathing
- are drooling (more than usual)
Some dogs might look for comfort by sitting close to you, whereas others might prefer a bit of alone time. If your dog is behaving out of character during fireworks, there’s a great chance he is anxious.
What to do when your dog is afraid of fireworks?
There are various things you can do to help your dog, both before fireworks start crackling and at the time of the event. Here are our top tips!
1. Bring your dog inside and find a quiet area in the home to put his bed
This haven will help him feel more relaxed. If you are moving his regular spot to a quieter area in the house, make sure you do this about a week in advance, so his new spot feels familiar to him.
2. Close all windows and curtains
This will block out the noise and view of the fireworks, especially those closest to your dog’s bed. This won’t take away the full blast of his anxiety, but it will make it less daunting.
3. Walk your dog during the day
Give him plenty of exercise before the fireworks start. A tired dog is more likely to be less stressed than a dog who has energy to burn.
4. Check fences and gates beforehand
Check your fencing and gates beforehand to see if there aren’t spots your dog can get through or under. This will help keep your dog confined into your yard in case they do freak out and their flight instinct kicks in.
5. Make sure your dog is fed and has been to the toilet
Your dog will pace more if he is hungry, or has a full bladder but doesn’t feel safe going outside.
6. Give your dog a special treat or toy to distract him
A long-lasting chew toy like a Kong filled with dog-safe peanut butter and treats will keep your pooch occupied for hours.
7. Stay at home
If you know your dog fears fireworks, stay home with them to make sure they are ok. If you aren’t home and you know a local event is organised with a fireworks display, arrange for someone to check in on your dog. This can be a neighbour or book a pet sitting service.
8. Play calming music
Or turn your TV on to mute the outside noise. This will help your four-legged bestie to feel more at ease.
9. Be relaxed
If you are home with your dog, try to be as relaxed as you can. Dogs feed off our energy and can sense if we are stressed, which will put them even more on edge. You don’t have to overcompensate and smother your dog with attention, but you can calm them with gentle pats if they come to you for comfort.
10. Keep microchip details up to date
Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date. There are lots of dogs that get out during fireworks and the quickest way to get your dog home in case this happens, is to keep your details updated.
11. Talk to your vet
Talk to your vet if you feel your dog’s anxiety is through the roof and nothing seems to be working. They can prescribe calming medication to get your pooch through the night. Or reach out to a local dog trainer to see if they can give you some pointers on how to help your dog.
How to calm your cat if they are afraid of fireworks
Fireworks can also be stressful to cats. If you sense that your feline is showing signs of anxiety, these tips might help:
- Just like with dogs, creating a safe space for your cat to hide will help make them feel safe. They might prefer to duck under furniture or choose a quiet corner in your home as a shelter. Keeping your cat inside is the best option for them.
- Unless they are of an affectionate nature and ask for attention, unwanted pats and cuddles can stress them out even more. Let your cat come to you if they are looking for comfort, or otherwise leave them if they need space.
- Feed your cat earlier in the day to make sure they are content before fireworks start.
- Close all windows and doors leading outside so your cat can’t get out.
- Like with dogs, ensure your cat’s microchip details are updated. If they do find a way to escape, this will help get them home.
- Vets can also prescribe anti-anxiety medication for cats if necessary. Speak to your vet if you feel your feline might need a bit of extra help getting through the night.
How to calm other small animals during fireworks
Do you own small animals, like birds, guinea pigs or rabbits? These animals can also get startled by fireworks. These tips can help your smaller animal friends:
- Partly cover cages to block off some of the outdoor noises. If you leave a small gap open, your pets can still see their surroundings which will help settle them.
- Make sure your animals are fed and watered earlier in the day. It will stress them out more if they are hungry when fireworks start but can’t eat because they are stiff with fear.
- Bring your small pets inside if you can, so they are sheltered away from the loud noises.
- For animals like guinea pigs and rabbits, help them feel more relaxed by adding bedding to their enclosure that they can burrow in.
It doesn’t take a lot of work to prepare your pets for fireworks and help them once the night sky lights up. But doing so will make a HUGE difference to your pet and their comfort.