Fireworks’ season seems to stretch on for longer every year and up to 45% of pets will show different levels of fear when they hear them.
We’ve written a short blog on some simple steps that you can take to help alleviate their anxiety.
How to ease your dog’s fear of fireworks
- Take your dog for their main walk in daylight hours if possible.
- Build a den or a safe space prepared with lots of blankets and toys. This provides a shelter where your pet can hide. Often layering blankets over the den to make it dark can make them feel even safer.
- Keeping the television or radio on during the peak of the fireworks can help to detract from the noise.
- Ensure all windows and curtains are closed to help reduce the intensity of the sound and reduce the flashing lights.
- Using desensitisation CD’s or Dogs’ Trust sound therapy can be useful in the lead-up. These work by slowly getting your pet used or accustomed to the fireworks’ sound. Visit Dogs Trust sound therapy and firework training.
- Pheromones are now available in different forms (diffuser, tablet, collar). These are a useful addition alongside all of the above.
In some cases, your pet may be so negatively affected by fireworks that they cannot settle, or begin to damage furniture or even soil indoors. If you know this happens, then we recommend an appointment with your vet at the earliest opportunity. They can offer specialist behavioural referrals or if necessary anti-anxiety medicine to help in the short term.
How to help your cat during firework season
- Keep your cat indoors and provide plenty of hiding places for them to retreat to.
- Keep all windows and doors closed, so there’s no escaping.
- Cats will often run away and hide when scared, so having them microchipped will ensure they are returned to you if lost. Book in with your vet now if they’re not chipped.
How to help your small furries
- Consider bringing them indoors when it gets dark (the garage or kitchen if there’s room), or partially cover outdoor houses to provide shelter and hiding places.
- Give them more bedding for burrowing and hiding. This can also help to mask the loud bangs and whizzes.
Our pets will often act out of character when frightened, so it’s important not to punish this behaviour. Some will want to hide and be left alone, and others may need comfort. Do whatever is right for your pet.
The best advice is to behave as you would normally. In other words, if you normally sit on the sofa with your dog on your lap all evening, having cuddles and smooches, then do this when the fireworks are going off. Likewise, if you’re not a fusser and your pet isn’t looking for strokes or cuddles, then it’s best to leave them as you would normally. Stay calm – our pets are sensitive creatures and pick up on our behaviour.
If you are unsure how to manage your pet’s behaviour during this stressful time, contact your vet now. They can help put a plan in place with you to make it as stress-free as possible.
