Fireworks Night: How to Keep Your Pet Calm and Safe
Remember, remember, the 5th of November. For many of us, that date means bright lights, hot chocolate and an evening with friends. For a lot of pet owners, it is the most dreaded night of the year.
Animals have no idea what fireworks are. Imagine settling down in your safe space for a quiet night in, and suddenly a deafening bang rings out. You would be terrified too. It is no wonder that reports of missing pets can rise by as much as 81 to 120 percent around this time of year, with fireworks a major cause.
The good news is that a little preparation can make a real difference. Below, you will find how to spot the signs of fear in your pet, followed by practical steps to help them feel safe before, during and after the fireworks begin.
Spotting the Signs: Is My Pet Scared?
Cats and dogs show fear in very different ways, so it helps to know what to look for in each.
How to tell if your dog is scared
- Panting and drooling: Heavy, rapid panting or excessive drooling when it is not hot.
- Restlessness: Pacing, being unable to settle, or constantly moving around the room.
- Clinginess: Sticking to you like velcro, even more than usual, and demanding constant attention.
- Body language: A tucked tail, a lowered head or shaking. These are common signs of stress and should always be taken seriously.
- Vocalisation: Whining, whimpering, barking, crying or excessive yawning.
- Escape attempts: Scratching at doors, digging at carpets or searching for any way out.
How to tell if your cat is scared
- Disappearing: Hiding in unusual, cramped spots and refusing to come out.
- Body posture: Crouching very low to the ground, arching their back or flattening their ears against their head.
- Overgrooming: Licking themselves aggressively and repeatedly, which is a way of coping with stress.
- Litter box accidents: Going outside the litter tray can be a sign of extreme stress.
- Going quiet and freezing: Unlike dogs, scared cats will often freeze on the spot or fall completely silent.
- Food refusal: Ignoring meals and treats in the lead-up to fireworks night.
Adjust Their Routine
Pets thrive on routine, so a few small changes earlier in the day can ease the evening ahead.
Walk earlier: Take your dog out for exercise and toilet breaks in daylight, before any fireworks start. Keep them on a lead at all times, as someone may set off fireworks early.
Feed earlier: Give your pet their evening meal ahead of time, as anxiety can cause a loss of appetite once the noise begins.
Keep small animals sheltered: If possible, bring small pets indoors. If that is not an option, move them into an enclosed space such as a shed or garage, and provide extra bedding so they can burrow and hide from the noise.
Keep cats in: Bring outdoor cats inside well before dusk and make sure they have a litter tray, water and a cosy spot to retreat to.
Prepare Your Home
A few simple changes indoors can take the edge off the noise and the flashing lights.
Close up the house: It may well be autumn, but if you are someone who keeps windows open, close them to dampen the sound. Drawing the curtains will also block out the flashes.
Drown out the noise: Put the television on or play some music. Dogs Trust offers a two-hour sound video designed to help keep pets calm, which is well worth having ready.
Create a den: Remember building a den when you were a child? Do the same for your pet. Choose a quiet spot where they can retreat when things get too much, and fill it with blankets and their favourite toys. Let them choose whether to use it, and never shut them in.
Comfort and Distraction
Offer fun distractions: Long-lasting chews, puzzle toys and lick mats can keep them occupied and take their mind off the noise.
Stay calm yourself: Pets pick up on our emotions, so try to act as normal as possible. If your pet comes to you for comfort, being there and gently reassuring them will do wonders. Never scold or punish them. Behaviour during fireworks is almost always driven by fear, not naughtiness.
Consider calming products: A pheromone plug-in diffuser, available from most pet stores, can help create a more settled atmosphere. Anxiety wraps such as Thundershirts are another popular option, and your local pet store can help you find the right fit. For pets who struggle badly, speak to your vet well in advance about what support is available. Please never give your pet medication that has not been prescribed for them.
Safety First
Make sure your pet’s microchip details and ID tag are up to date. If your pet panics and bolts, this is what allows anyone who finds them to bring them safely home. It is also worth checking that your garden is secure and that gates and cat flaps are properly closed.
A quick note: I am not a vet, so please contact one for any serious concerns. These tips come from nearly a decade of working in the pet sector, outside of photography.
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