Helping Pets Cope with Fireworks Night

Fireworks Night in the UK can be a fun and exciting time for people, but for many pets, the loud noises and bright lights can be a source of stress and anxiety. While some pets are more resilient to the sound of fireworks, others can become highly distressed by the unfamiliar and unpredictable bangs and flashes.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to help your pets during Fireworks Night, focusing on practical steps to reduce their anxiety and ensure they feel safe and secure throughout the event.

Signs of Stress and Anxiety in Pets

Recognising when your pet is feeling stressed is essential so you can take steps to calm them. Common signs of stress and anxiety in dogs and cats during fireworks include:

For Dogs

• Panting excessively

• Pacing or restlessness

• Trembling or shaking

• Barking or howling

• Hiding or seeking comfort from their owner

• Refusing food or treats

For Cats

• Hiding in unusual places (e.g., under furniture or in cupboards)

• Flattened ears and dilated pupils

• Pacing or agitation

• Trembling or remaining very still

• Refusing to eat or use the litter box

• Becoming unusually vocal

How to Help Your Pet During Fireworks Night

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help ease your pet’s anxiety and ensure they feel safe and secure during Fireworks Night. Here’s how you can prepare and support your dog or cat:

1. Create a Safe Space

Creating a calm, safe space for your pet to retreat to is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress during fireworks. Choose a quiet room in your home where the fireworks will be less audible. Make the area as cosy and comforting as possible by providing:

• Your pet’s favourite bed, blankets, or cushions

• Familiar toys or items that smell like you

• Fresh water and some light treats (if your pet is willing to eat)

• Low lighting to reduce the impact of bright flashes outside

• You might even consider playing gentle background noise, such as classical music or white noise, to help drown out the sound of fireworks.

2. Close Windows, Curtains, and Doors

To minimise the intensity of the sound and light from fireworks, keep all windows and doors closed. Drawing the curtains or blinds will help block out the flashes of light that can be just as distressing as the noise. You can also use draught excluders to muffle sound from outside.

3. Provide Reassurance and Comfort

Pets often find comfort in their owners’ presence. Stay with your pet if possible, and offer gentle reassurance by speaking softly and petting them if they seek comfort. However, it’s important not to overdo it—excessive fussing can sometimes reinforce anxious behaviour.

If your dog or cat prefers to hide during fireworks, let them. Don’t try to force them out of their hiding spot, as this could increase their stress. Instead, make their hiding place as comfortable as possible, and check on them periodically.

4. Use Calming Aids

There are several calming aids available that can help reduce stress and anxiety in pets during fireworks. These can be particularly helpful for pets that are more prone to anxiety:

Adaptil for Dogs and Feliway for Cats

These are pheromone-based products designed to help pets feel more secure. They come in diffuser or spray form and can be placed in the room where your pet spends the evening.

Calming Supplements

Supplements containing ingredients like L-theanine, valerian root, or chamomile can help to reduce anxiety in pets. Always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements.

Calming Coats

Specially designed anxiety wraps or calming coats, such as Thundershirts, apply gentle pressure to your pet’s body, which can have a soothing effect, similar to swaddling a baby.

5. Exercise Your Pet Earlier in the Day

For dogs, a walk earlier in the day before the fireworks start can help tire them out, making them more likely to rest calmly during the evening. Avoid walking your dog after dark when fireworks are likely to begin, as this can increase their stress.

For cats, encourage some light play earlier in the day to help them burn off any excess energy. However, don’t over-exert your pet in the hope they’ll sleep through any fireworks. Ensure your cat is safely contained indoors well before dark.

6. Consult Your Vet About Medications

If your pet suffers from severe anxiety during fireworks, it may be worth consulting your vet about anti-anxiety medications. Prescription medications can help calm pets during particularly stressful events like Fireworks Night. 

Be sure to discuss this option with your vet well in advance to ensure the medication is safe for your pet and effective for their needs.

7. Keep Your Pet Indoors and Secure

Always keep your dog or cat indoors during Fireworks Night to prevent them from running away in panic. Ensure that your home is secure, and if you need to let your dog out for a toilet break, do so before the fireworks begin, or keep them on a lead in a safe, enclosed area.

For cats, ensure they have access to a litter tray, so they don’t need to go outside. If your cat is used to spending time outdoors, try to bring them in before the fireworks start to keep them safe and comfortable.

How to Prepare for Fireworks Night

Being well-prepared for Fireworks Night can help prevent panic and ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible. Here are a few preparation tips:

Desensitisation techniques

The Dogs Trust has developed a desensitisation programme with a soundtrack of various noises, designed to help desensitise your pet to firework sounds.

Find out more at here.

Start preparing early

Fireworks events often take place throughout the week around Bonfire Night, so make sure your pet’s safe space and any calming aids are set up ahead of time.

Keep a routine

Stick to your usual feeding and playtime routines to maintain a sense of normalcy for your pet.

Plan ahead for walks

Walk your dog earlier in the day to avoid fireworks, and consider arranging walks with a trusted pet sitter if needed.

Consult your vet in advance

If you think your pet may need medication or supplements to help with anxiety, speak to your vet well before Fireworks Night.

We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.