While the colour, noise and drama of fireworks is exciting for many humans, pets often find fireworks confusing and scary. While some pets will only show mild signs of fear, others can become extremely anxious or panicked. This can result in injuries, escapees, or damage to property.

Unlike storms which can be unpredictable, fireworks are generally scheduled for major events like New Years Eve. This means they can be planned for.

Depending on the pet and the circumstances, it might be possible to leave the area altogether and avoid the fireworks display. But if you can’t do that, advance preparation can help reduce the negative impact on your pets. Your home should already have a quiet and safe area for your pet. For dogs, this could be a crate, laundry, bedroom, or other safe place in the home dedicated to your dog. For cats, it could mean high scratching posts, igloos, shelves, or other hiding places. Having a safe place gives your pet a place of retreat in times of worry or if they just need some downtime away from kids, visitors, other pets, or loud noises.

Let’s look at ways to help ease the stress of fireworks on cats and dogs.

Tips for Dogs

  • Make sure you have already taken your dog out for their walks well before the fireworks begin so that they aren’t outside when the fireworks start.
  • Make sure your home and backyard gate is properly secured, so there’s nowhere that your dog can escape in a panic.
  • Provide your dog with their favourite things to do, whether that is a chew toy, snuffle mat or other fun activity to keep them occupied.
  • Make sure they can access their “safe place” or are crated if appropriate.  
  • Close the windows and doors to help reduce the noise and smells of fireworks.
  • If the fireworks can be seen, close the curtains or blinds also.  
  • Stay calm! Your dog can detect if you are feeling worried and this will make them worried too.
  • Distract them with play. Don’t try to force it, but if they seem interested when you pick up toys, this can be a good way to keep them busy during the fireworks.

Tips for Cats

  • Make sure your cat is safely inside the house or their cat enclosure so that they cannot run away during fireworks. 
  • Give them plenty of snuggly, safe, and dark places to hide, such as boxes, beds, shelves, wardrobes at different levels (some cats may feel safer up higher, others might feel safer in lower hiding spots).
  • If your cat is hiding, leave them alone and don’t try to get them out of their hiding place. They’ll come out when they are feeling safe and ready to face the world again!

For both cats and dogs, having music or TV on can help to mask the noise of fireworks and provide soothing and familiar background noise. Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date, in case your pet escapes. Ensure your pets are wearing their collars with an ID tag on, with up-to-date details as well. Some pets have severe phobias of fireworks. Always speak to your Vet if you have concerns about your pet. Some pets may benefit from pheromone diffusers, or medication to help keep them safe and calm during fireworks.

Hopefully with a little bit of preparation the whole family will be able to see in the New Year without fear!

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

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