Loud noises are kryptonite for many pets. This may seem surprising given the volume of sound the average cat or dog can produce, but experience a thunderstorm with your pet and you’ll understand the effect. 

The worst comes on New Year’s Eve, when light and sound conspire to terrify the four-legged among us. 

An inexplicable sound to canine and feline ears, fireworks can be a major trigger for anxiety, panic and terror for pets. The fear and confusion they inspire can lead to injuries, daring escapes or damage to property as your furry friend seeks asylum. 

The good news: unlike a thunderstorm, that other bringer of loudness, Christmas events and NYE fireworks are scheduled and thus can be planned for. 

Christmas considerations

  • A Christmas gathering can quickly transform your pet’s safe space into alien land; territorial behaviour may follow. For both cats and dogs, having familiar music or a TV on can help mask unfamiliar sounds when strangers fill the house. 
  • Make one room off limits to humans so your pet can take some time out if they need to. Provide plenty of safe, dark places to hide such as boxes, shelves or wardrobes at different levels, as well as a steady supply of fresh water. 
  • Got Christmas crackers or party poppers at the lunch or dinner table? Think again – these sudden loud noises can frighten pets, so avoid using them when your furry friend is around. 
  • If your pet has chosen to hide, leave them to it. They’ll come out when they feel comfortable. 
  • Avoid the Christmas costumes. These can be stifling and uncomfortable, and turn an already stressful experience up to 11. 
  • Be mindful of leaving Christmas leftovers around. Many foods associated with the festive season – chocolate, grapes, mince pies and macadamia nuts – are toxic to pets, so make sure it’s kept well out of the way.  

New Years notions

  • Make sure you’ve taken your dog out for a walk well before the countdown begins. You don’t want them outside when the fireworks start, even if they’re off in the distance. 
  • If your pet panics during the fireworks, they may try to escape. Check your home and ensure windows and doors are shut to mask the noise, as well as outside gates. Keep your pet’s microchip details and council registration up to date in case they do get out, and make sure they have a collar with their name and a contact number on them – this will allow a good Samaritan to get directly in touch with you if they find your pet. 
  • Provide your pet with activities, such as a favourite toy, long lasting chew or a snuffle mat to distract them during the fireworks. 
  • Keep your pet in a part of the house where they can’t see any fireworks. The flashing lights coupled with the sounds will make any stress worse. 
  • Stay calm yourself. Any worry you feel is easily detected and taken on by animals, so chill out and enjoy the evening so your pet can too. If your pet is seeking comfort from you by way of a cuddle or soothing voice, it’s ok to provide this – we all like reassurance when we feel afraid! 

With a bit of careful planning, you can keep your pet calm and get 2026 off to a stress-free start. And if you know your pet is especially sensitive to noise, it’s worth visiting your vet for specific recommendations (including potential medication). There’s no need to fear the new year. 

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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