Pets and fireworks: how to keep your furry friends stress-free this firework season

Updated 28/11/2023

Pets and fireworks - not a combo made in doggy heaven... or feline, for that matter. While fireworks and parades may be fun for us humans, the truth is they can be a real source of stress for our pets. The loud noises and unexpected bright lights can be seriously unnerving, so it’s important to take extra precautions to make sure our pets are kept safe and comfortable throughout this sometimes scary time. So, without further ado, let's get into our tips on keeping pets safe during fireworks season.

Firework safety for pets: top tips

Know the signs

You know your pet best, so you're usually aware when your pet is distressed. Signs such as agitation, being more vocal than usual and destructive behaviour are common signs of discomfort. However, be aware that more discrete behaviors such as hiding, toileting inside or in different places, frequent panting and lip-licking are also demonstrative of stress. Remember, even if some pets haven't shown a fear of fireworks in the past, they can develop a phobia at any time in their life.

Plan ahead

If you’re already aware that your furry, feathered, scaled or hooved companion has a phobia of fireworks, then preparing ahead is key to ensuring that they can comfortably cope throughout fireworks season. There are a few things you can do to make sure they know they are safe and secure...

• Speak to your vet —  they may suggest a pheromone diffuser which disperses calming chemicals, medication or seeing an animal behaviourist.
• If you have a cat or dog, make sure there is a ‘safe space’ they can get to at all times — preferably a place they're used to that's filled with their favourite toys or treats.
• Consider desensitising your dog to loud noises — this is a great long-term solution that can help keep pets calm in anxious situations.
• Make sure that your pet is kept in a secure space at all times so that if a sudden noise occurs, they can't escape and get lost.
• Research and be aware of when firework displays may occur, and keep pets inside with the curtains drawn and the TV or music on.
• Never punish a pet for being scared – this will make their fear worse in the long run.
• Consider bringing outdoor pets inside temporarily.

Dogs and fireworks

More often than not, dogs and fireworks don't go paw in hand. In fact, it’s estimated that 45 percent of dogs in the UK are scared of fireworks, so get ahead and make them their own ‘doggy play area’ in the most quiet room or area of the house. Make sure you plan this ahead of the festivities so they've been trained to associate the area as stress-free and safe. If you wait until the last minute and react, they may be unnerved by your sudden change in behavior which will reinforce their fears. 

If you know that fireworks are planned to start, walk your dog in daylight before they begin. When the fireworks get going, close the curtains in their safe space and consider turning on the radio to create gentle noise to distract them. You can attempt to play with them to distract them, but never force them. 

Cats and fireworks

Another poorly matched duo, cats and fireworks don't mix, but are cats afraid of fireworks? The short answer is yes, probably. Our feline friends aren't exactly adapted to not find the loud booms and screeches from fireworks seriously unnerving. Make sure they have a safe spot to hide in – this could be a particularly quiet spot in the house, such as under a bed or table, but preferably a room they're familiar with. Don't confine them to a small space, as they may hurt themselves trying to get out of it.  It’s completely understandable that you may want to pick your pet up or tempt them out of their hiding place to check they're ok — but resist doing this, as it can cause more distress. This is also a good time to make sure their microchip details are correct, or get them microchipped if they aren’t already, in case they manage to escape. 

Small animals and fireworks

Don’t forget about smaller animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, birds or hamsters. Cover parts of cages or aviaries with a blanket, but be careful to make sure they can still look out, and ensure that one area is well soundproofed. You can also provide extra bedding for burrowing or consider bringing them inside, if they're based outside. 

Don’t forget donkeys, ponies and horses!

Check for local fireworks displays and consider contacting the organiser to request that fireworks are let off in the opposite direction to your horse. If they're staying in a field, make sure that fencing is secure and if they're staying in stables, make sure hay nets are secure so there is no risk of tangling. Try and stay with them if you know fireworks are going to be let off nearby, but be aware – startled horses can be dangerous.

Remember, be aware of other wildlife that may be nearby

If you’re letting fireworks off yourself, make sure you’re aware of the safety of other types of wildlife and do not set off fireworks near trees where birds may be nesting, lakes with waterfowl or fields of livestock.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Ways to calm an anxious dog

There’s a lot more than fireworks that triggers anxiety in our four-legged friends. So to give the best care possible, find out how to calm an anxious dog before pet sitting or adopting your new best pal.