How to Prepare Your Pets for Firework Season
As the nights draw in and Bonfire Night approaches, many pet owners begin to worry about how their furry friends will cope with the sounds and sights of fireworks. For animals, fireworks can be a frightening experience. Loud bangs, bright flashes, and unfamiliar smells all contribute to stress and anxiety.
The good news is that there’s plenty you can do beforefireworks begin to help your pets feel calmer and more confident. We spoke to The National Animal Welfare Trust’s Animal Behaviourist, Chloe Dallimore, who shared her expert advice on how to prepare your pets early to make the season as peaceful as possible.
Counterconditioning: A New Approach to Firework Anxiety
Traditionally, desensitisation work has been recommended to help pets adjust to fireworks gradually. However, Chloe highlights a new and effective argument for counterconditioning instead.
“When you hear or see a firework, immediately reward your pet,” explains Chloe. “This helps them start to associate fireworks with something positive, like a treat or affection. The key is to reward everytime they hear or see one.”
By consistently pairing the noise with a pleasant reward, your pet can begin to feel less anxious over time.
Walks and Toilet Breaks: Plan Ahead
Walk your dog earlier in the day before it gets dark. This reduces the risk of being outside when fireworks start, helping to keep your dog calm and safe.
Chloe also recommends manipulating mealtimes so that your pet’s toilet trips happen before or after the fireworks are expected. This small adjustment can make a big difference to their comfort and security.
Create Safe Spaces for Your Pets
Many pets feel safer when they have a cosy, quiet space to retreat to. Chloe advises:
“Provide your pet with a den or hiding spot where they can go if they feel scared. This could be a covered crate, a box lined with soft blankets, or their favourite bed in a quiet room.”
Keep curtains or blinds closed to reduce the sight of flashing lights and try to stick to your normal household routine. Avoid suddenly playing calming music if it’s not something your pet is used to, as this can sometimes cause more confusion than comfort. If you wish to play calming music, it’s best to introduce it gradually, so then your pet doesn’t associate it with anything negative.
Topical Treatments and Timing
If your pet uses any topical treatments, such as flea or tick medication, make sure these are applied well before or after fireworks begin. Administering treatments during fireworks could cause your pet to associate the stressful sounds with an unpleasant sensation, making things worse next time.
Preparing Small Animals for Fireworks
Fireworks don’t just affect cats and dogs. Small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs can also become stressed by loud noises and flashing lights. Here are our top tips for keeping them safe and calm:
- Bring them indoors overnight during firework season so they’re less exposed to noise and light.
- Use calming aids, like Pet Remedy or playing gentle background music.
- Provide enrichment to distract them. For example, tunnels, hay-stuffed toys, or a cardboard box filled with shredded paper to explore.
- Offer extra hiding spaces so they have somewhere secure to retreat to when frightened.
- Keep bonded pairs together, as rabbits and guinea pigs will cope much better with reassurance from a companion.
- If possible, stay nearby to help them feel safe and settled.
- Watch for signs of stress, such as not eating, “freezing” in place, or hiding more than usual. These can indicate they’re struggling to cope.
The Key to a Calm Firework Season
Preparation is everything when it comes to keeping pets calm during fireworks. By following Chloe’s expert advice and introducing these changes early, you can help your animals feel more comfortable and secure, no matter how loud the celebrations get.
Fireworks might be beautiful for us, but for our pets, peace and reassurance are far more precious.