8 Great Tips for Pet Safety During Fireworks

While there isn’t much that compares to the beauty of a grand fireworks display as we head into the new year, it can be a traumatic experience for our furry companions. Fireworks and pets aren’t a good combo to say the least.

Loud bangs and bright lights can drive most dogs and cats into a frenzy. So, let’s go over some ways you can make it as bearable as possible for your furbabies and ensure their safety this holiday season. 

Mixing fireworks and pets means moving indoors

This one is pretty much a no-brainer. Keep your pet inside your property, where the bright lights will be mostly out of sight and the loud bangs muffled (at least somewhat). Being in a familiar space will make them more comfortable.

You can further diminish sound and flashes by closing the blinds, curtains and doors. A good tip is to also turn on the radio or TV and play something fairly calming.

If possible, we’d recommend you stay home with your pets and comfort them. Creating a safe space for them to hide out for the duration is also a great idea. This could be as simple as covering their bed or crate with a blanket.

Importantly, be aware of potential escapees. Fireworks can cause animals to act out in an unnatural way and try to flee. If your doggo or kitty has outside access, we can’t stress enough how crucial it is to make sure they’re safely secured in your home before sunset. If they must be outside then check the gate or fence is closed and locked securely.

Walk your dog early

Try to take Fido for their walk earlier, before the fireworks start. The same goes for Felix, if you’ve been successful in training your cat to walk on a leash.

It’s not a great idea to be out on a walk when there are bangs and flashes, even if they don’t normally show fear around fireworks. Dogs and cats are easily startled by unexpected loud noises. Be sure to always keep them on a lead during fireworks season; otherwise they can run off without warning. Hold that grip tight!

Tiring them out with a long walk beforehand will shed excess energy and help them relax.

Microchip your pets

Even if you take every precaution, you can never be certain of how your furball will react once the fireworks start. It’s quite common for a spooked pet to run away, especially cats. And you’d be surprised at how quickly they can turn into Houdini, so make sure they’re properly microchipped and the details are up to date. 

Interested in knowing more? Read our articles on what you need to know about microchipping a cat and how vets microchip a dog.

Combine fireworks and pets’ treats

Having treats on hand as an extra form of comfort is a great idea. Catnip, chew toys, balls – you know best what your furbaby enjoys. This will make a good distraction and take their attention away from what’s going on outside. 

It might even provide you with some entertainment… Wondering what does catnip do to cats? The results can be pretty amusing (and completely safe for puss).

Keep ‘em hydrated

Fear can make dogs pant. Though they might want avoid the water bowl, it’s important to make sure they’re staying hydrated. Consider a water fountain, providing multiple water sources and regularly refill their dishes.

The essentials in life – food, water, shelter and care – will help get them through.

Synthetic pheromones for fireworks anxiety

If your pet has a history of anxiety, you might want to consider a calming pheromone diffuser or collar. Feliway offers great products to help calm your pets in times of stress.

These products offer a comforting scent that your pet will associate with weaning as a puppy or a safe place for cats where they rub their cheeks. Introduce these devices into your home a week or two before fireworks to ensure optimal results. You can ask your vet what product would best suit your pet.

Synthetic pheromones can also help greatly with separation anxiety in pets.

Fireworks and pets thundershirts

Similar to swaddling a baby, this unique vest will put gentle pressure on your pet and give them a comforting sensation. It’s designed to help pets who struggle with anxiety during fireworks, thunderstorms, travelling or separation. Find more information about thundershirts here.

If you’re worried, we suggest speaking to your vet for more options before the fireworks start. Pets can have a real phobia of fireworks and may need to be treated with medication. 

Cover them well this festive season

During this time of the year, Christmas crackers, party poppers and fireworks tend to leave behind unwanted debris. There’s a real danger of a pet eating a discarded firework which still contains explosives and/or toxic substances. If this happens your pet will need to see a vet right away.

Our dog insurance and cat insurance covers accidents, non-routine vet visits and a range of treatments. Let us elevate you to a new height of pet parenting and take that stress off your shoulders.