We humans love fireworks – but we can’t say the same of our furry friends. In fact, events like Bonfire Night and Diwali can be an extremely frightening time of year for pets. And who can blame them? Wouldn’t you be scared if surrounded by bangs and flashing lights that were unexplained and unannounced? Luckily, our resident vet has jotted down some helpful tips to help your pet feel more at ease. Here’s what you can do.
Prepare a ‘safe room’ where your pet will feel comfortable
Building a pet den for your cat or dog and filling it with a cosy bed and their favourite toys is a great way to start preparing for fireworks night. Place it in a quiet area of your home and start introducing your pet to it a couple of weeks ahead of the fireworks (if they’re sceptical, some treats inside the den may help break the ice). On Bonfire Night, pull the curtains to block out the noise, and have the TV or soothing music on to distract them. Make sure the volume is at a level that your pet is comfortable with.
Avoid leaving your pet alone during fireworks
It’s important to spend time with your pet when they are nervous, as leaving them alone in times of stress may trigger separation anxiety. This is especially true when managing puppy anxiety. Dogs can injure themselves when distressed too, so it’s best to stay by their side. Some pets may not want to be cuddled when anxious and instead prefer to hide. This is okay, you can still keep an eye on them while giving them space. If you need to leave, however, try to find someone who can keep your pet company, like a neighbour, a friend or a petsitter.
How to calm pets during fireworks
- It’s natural for pets to get unsettled when they hear loud noises. Plan ahead by feeding them and taking them out for a walk some time before the fireworks start.
- Keep your furry friend inside. Some pets can feel the urge to run away and hide when they feel in danger – a reminder that microchipping your pet is essential.
- Act as you normally would, stay relaxed, and reward calm behaviour.
- Do not punish or shout as this will only make their stress worse.
- Consider using a calming product, such as a pheromone plug-in diffuser for dogs or cats. We recommend using this two weeks before the event and throughout. If your pet really struggles, you can combine the diffuser with Zylkene, a natural calming supplement derived from milk protein, giving it to your pet 1-2 days before the event until the fireworks are over. Speak to your vet for personalised advice or additional treatment options.
