With Bonfire Night and New Year’s just around the corner, many of us are gearing up for the dazzling displays of fireworks lighting up the night sky. But while we may love the sparkle and excitement, our furry friends may feel a bit differently. Fireworks can be stressful, scary, and downright bewildering for both dogs and cats. With some careful planning, you can make the season more manageable and ensure their safety and comfort. Here’s a full guide to keeping pets calm and secure when fireworks are in full swing!
1. Create a Safe and Cosy Space
The loud, unexpected bangs from fireworks can be unsettling for pets, but having a comforting spot to retreat to can make a world of difference.
- For Dogs: Create a den-like area in a quiet room, away from windows and doors. A large crate with a crate cover draped over it can create a snug hideaway. Fill the space with their favourite bed, blankets, and a few toys.
- For Cats: Cats love hiding in small, dark spaces, so a cardboard box lined with vet bed can do wonders. Place the box in a quiet corner, or even under a bed, where they can escape if they feel nervous.
Consider putting on some gentle background noise, like classical music (ask Alexa) or a calming TV show. The soft sounds will help to drown out the fireworks and create a more peaceful environment.
2. Start Preparing Early
The earlier you start helping your pet adjust, the better! Fireworks season usually begins a few weeks before Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve. Here are some pre-firework season steps:
- Desensitise to Sounds: Gradually expose your pets to firework sounds at a low volume. Start before the season begins and reward them with treats and praise for staying calm. Gradually increase the volume over time.
- Routine Adjustments: Try to get your pet accustomed to new routines, such as closing curtains earlier or turning on calming music. Familiarity helps them stay relaxed.
- Stock Up on Calming Products: Calming products like pet-safe diffusers (like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats), can all help ease anxiety. These work best if introduced a few days before fireworks start popping off.
3. Avoid Walking Dogs or Cats During Peak Firework Times
One of the simplest yet most effective tips is timing your pets walks carefully. Aim to walk them during daylight hours before dusk to avoid firework displays. Not only does this reduce the risk of a frightened pet bolting, but it also lets them burn off energy before the loud evening events begin.
For those with gardens or outdoor spaces, always supervise your pet during toilet breaks, especially if fireworks have already started. Loud bangs can startle them, potentially causing them to jump fences or slip out of harnesses and leads.
4. Keep Cats Indoors
Cats tend to be free spirits, but it’s essential to keep them indoors during firework season for their safety. Here are some ways to help:
- Set Up Litter Trays: For outdoor cats, having a litter tray indoors might feel odd at first, but it will encourage them to stay safely inside.
- Cat-Proof Windows and Doors: If you usually let your cat roam, it’s best to ensure all exits are securely shut. Cats that bolt in fear may end up disoriented.
- Secure Their Favourite Spots: Cats love routine, so if they have a favourite window perch or warm spot, make sure it’s available. Familiarity will help them feel safe, even when the noises outside are unusual.
5. Distract, Distract, Distract
Distractions work wonders to keep your pet’s focus away from the scary noises outside. Keep these ideas in mind:
- Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys filled with treats, kongs, or snuffle mats can be brilliant distractions for dogs. Chewing and licking help release endorphins, which naturally reduce stress.
- Play Sessions: Both dogs and cats can benefit from extra playtime during firework season. For cats, laser pointers or feather toys can help burn off some energy and keep them engaged. Dogs may enjoy a good game of fetch, tug-of-war, or even learning a new trick!
- Long-Lasting Treats: Treats that take longer to consume, like dental chews for dogs or freeze-dried meat treats for cats, can keep their minds off the noise and provide positive reinforcement.
6. Stay Calm and Provide Comfort
Animals are incredibly perceptive, and they pick up on their owners’ emotions. If you’re anxious, they’re likely to feel the same way. Practice staying calm and composed when the fireworks start. Sit near your pet without overwhelming them – let them come to you for comfort if they need it.
If your dog or cat seeks out your attention, pet them gently and speak in soothing tones. Resist the temptation to coddle or overreact to every bang – calmly reassuring them that everything is alright will be much more comforting.
7. Consider Calming Wearables
For pets that get particularly stressed, calming wearables can help reduce anxiety. Some popular options include:
- Calming Vests or Wraps for Dogs: These vests apply gentle, constant pressure to create a calming effect (similar to a comforting hug). They work wonders for some dogs, so they’re worth a try if your dog is particularly anxious.
- Anti-Anxiety Collars: Collars infused with calming pheromones are available for both cats and dogs. These work by releasing a scent that mimics the pheromones of a mother dog or cat, which has a naturally calming effect.
8. Know What to Do if Your Pet Escapes
Despite all precautions, pets can sometimes still be startled and run off. Here are some emergency tips:
- Make Sure They’re Microchipped: Microchips are invaluable if your pet becomes lost. Make sure their microchip details are up to date, as it’s the quickest way to reunite with them.
- Collars and ID Tags: Double-check that they’re wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information.
9. Speak to Your Vet for Additional Help
If your pet struggles with severe anxiety during fireworks, speak to your vet. They may be able to recommend prescription medication, anti-anxiety wraps, or supplements specifically suited to your pet’s needs.
Summary
Keeping pets safe during firework season requires a combination of planning, patience, and creating a supportive environment. Each pet is different, so it’s essential to tailor your approach to what works best for your furry family member.
With a little preparation and plenty of love, you can make firework season a lot less stressful – and perhaps even keep tails wagging and purrs rumbling as they cuddle up safely indoors.
**Most of the links above are to Amazon, you will be able to find similar products at other retailers but they are far too many to list in this blog🙂
