While fireworks can be great fun, they can be extremely frightening for animals and fireworks season can be very stressful for owners of pets or livestock.
Many people don’t realise the negative effect that fireworks can have on neighbuoring animals and we hope that by raising awareness more people will choose to be pet friendly with their enjoyment of fireworks.
Enjoy pet friendly fireworks
- Go to an organised event will reduce the number of fireworks disturbing animals.
- Only let fireworks off on traditional celebration dates (Diwali, Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year). Most owners will already know to expect fireworks on these days and can act accordingly to help their animals cope. Look for low-noise fireworks, and let your neighbours know well in advance so animals, including horses and livestock, can be prepared.
- Never set off fireworks near livestock, as frightened animals – especially horses – can injure themselves when frightened.
- Remember, fireworks can also disturb wildlife so steer clear of known habitats like lakes with waterfowl and trees with roosting birds.
- Check bonfires for wildlife before lighting as animals like hedgehogs may be hibernating.
Pets and their hearing – why do fireworks scare them?
We’ve all felt a firework bang make us jump or shudder. Fireworks can reach up to 175 decibels—a loud sound for us but even louder for pets with superior hearing. Pets can detect a broader range of sounds, beyond the typical “bang,” which puts them at risk of hearing damage, including temporary or permanent loss or tinnitus.
With multiple bangs from various displays, pets often become stressed, unable to locate the source of the explosions. Not knowing where the sounds are coming from or when the next one will hit can be terrifying. Pets instinctively associate fireworks with danger, urging them to seek safety. The flashes of light and acrid smells add to their fear, as the lights feel closer and smells overpower familiar home scents, deepening their distress.
What we can do for our pets before fireworks begin
Desensitisation is key. Getting your pet used to loud and sudden noises can make them more relaxed and less reactive when the fireworks start. There’s a good range of CDs and online playlists of fireworks, storms, and loud noises available, that can really help your pet desensitise to the noise.
Start by playing the sounds at a low volume, and as your pet gets used to it you can slowly increase the volume over a period of time so that they gradually become accustomed to the noises. This is also a handy tool when wanting to get your pet used to the hoover, door knocking or sounds of children crying.
Even once your pet is comfortable with the noises, it’s possible that hearing real fireworks might still be stressful. During fireworks it’s important to try to keep your pet feeling safe and relaxed and to distract them with something positive, such as a treat, a game or plenty of affection.
When desensitising dogs it is imprtant to note that noise aversion can be influenced, to some degree, by breed, age and sex. The way your dog reacts to loud sounds could be partly controlled by their genetics, with research showing that German Shepherd Dogs are more likely to pace when stressed, while Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs are more likely to hide. If your dog is severely noise phobic, sound CDs or playlists may make the situation worse so it may be a good idea to speak to an experienced animal behaviourist before the firework season starts.
Check your pet’s microchip details are up to date. Statistics show a rise in calls to the Petlog lost pet line in late October and early November. It’s essential to keep your contact details updated, as 53% of microchips have incorrect information, making it harder to return lost pets. Since pets can bolt at the sound of fireworks, make sure their microchip details are current.
Check local firework schedules and ask neighbours about any planned displays.
- Refill your dog’s water bowl; anxious dogs pant more and need extra water.
- Feed your dog before fireworks start, as they may be too anxious to eat later.
- Walk your dog before dusk, as it may be a while before it’s safe to go outside again.
- Ensure your garden is escape-proof in case a firework startles your dog during a toilet break.
- Close all doors, windows, and curtains to block out flashes and reduce noise. Secure cat flaps to prevent pets from escaping.
- Create a cozy den with blankets, toys, and familiar scents. You can add enrichment items like frozen kongs to make it more comforting.
- If needed, consult your vet about calming aids, such as CALMEX tablets, which are available from our onsite vet partner, Casvets.
- Pet Remedy, available in our reception shop, can also help soothe nerves with its calming formula in spray, wipe, or diffuser form.
- Refill your cat’s water bowl; stressed cats may drink more and feel anxious if water isn’t available.
- Feed your cat before fireworks start, as they may be too anxious to eat later.
- Keep your cat indoors a few hours before and during firework displays, as they may flee and struggle to find their way back due to smoke.
- Close doors, windows, and curtains to block out flashes and reduce noise. Secure cat flaps to prevent escapes.
- Set up a cozy den with blankets, toys, and familiar scents. Place it where your cat often relaxes for added comfort.
- Consult your vet if further support is needed; CALMEX tablets are available through our onsite vet partner, Casvets.
- Pet Remedy, available in our reception shop, offers calming effects in spray, wipe, or diffuser form.
- Bring small pets indoors to reduce firework noise. If that’s not possible, turn their enclosure to face a wall or fence. Avoid letting them free roam in the garden during fireworks to prevent them from bolting.
- Keep social animals like rabbits with familiar companions to help them stay calm.
- Add extra bedding and hiding spots like cardboard boxes to provide a cozy, safe den.
- Drape a heavy blanket over their enclosure to muffle sounds and block flashes, ensuring adequate ventilation.
- Pet Remedy, available in our reception shop, offers calming effects in spray, wipe, or diffuser form.
Once the fireworks start
Make sure you shut all doors and windows in your home and don’t forget to draw the curtains. This will block out any scary flashes of light and reduce the noise level of fireworks.
Play soft music to help stifle the sound of fireworks but ensure that it is not too loud – especially if your small pet is not used to the sounds from the TV or radio. We recommend tuning into Classic FM’s Pet Classics which is known to help nervous animals with its soothing relaxing tones. Tune in with Charlotte Hawkins on Saturday, 2nd November, and Dan Walker on Tuesday, 5th November, from 5 to 9 pm.
Act normally to help your pet feel safe. If they seek comfort, give it; ignoring them may increase their distress.
Remember, never tell your dog off for being scared or for displaying nervous symptoms such as vocalisations. This will only increase their distress. It’s natural for pets to feel frightened by loud noises and unfamiliar sights and sounds.
Tried everything? Ask for help from a behaviourist
We recommend speaking to our knowledgeable onsite behaviour team and arranging a 1-2-1 to discuss your dog and any concerns you might have. Our team can offer invaluable advice which will help to safeguard the health and happiness of your dog and make sure their experience of fireworks is as positive as possible. Find out more.
