Fireworks can be super scary for our pets. According to the 2022 PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, 41% of dogs and 30% of cats are scared of fireworks – that’s 4.1 million dogs and 3.3 million cats across the UK.
“Fireworks can be very scary and stressful for our pets,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing. “It’s difficult for them to understand that they aren’t and shouldn’t be in danger when they hear or see fireworks, but as their senses are much stronger than ours, they experience fireworks so much more intensely than we do.
“Fortunately, there are plenty of little things you can do to keep your cats and dogs calm throughout fireworks season, and the earlier you start, the easier it will be on the night!”
Preparation is key
- Check the dates of any nearby firework displays so you know when to expect the loud bangs and flashes.
- Make sure you have curtains/blinds on all your windows and close them to block out the flashes of light.
- Shut and secure all windows, doors and cat flaps and play some music or have the TV on to drown out some of the noise outside
- Build pets a safe haven den
- Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date to give you a better chance of being reunited if they run away from home.
- Plug in a pheromone diffuser
Create a ‘safe space’ for them by making a firework den
“A cosy, safe den can help your pet feel safe and secure if they are frightened on fireworks night,” suggests Nina.
- Make it somewhere they go when they feel worried. Cats often feel safest when they’re up high, so they’ll probably like their den to be on a shelf, on top of a wardrobe, or in the top of a cupboard. A covered cat bed is ideal for helping them feel protected, but make sure it’s well secured and won’t fall off wherever you put it. Dogs may prefer their den behind the sofa, under a table, in a crate, or inside a big, safe, empty cupboard. You know your pet best!
- Make the den a few weeks before fireworks season starts so they get used to it, and give them treats/praise when they go in so they think of it as a nice place.
- Make it as enclosed as possible by using an enclosed bed, a cardboard box, or by draping blankets over whatever you’re using.
- Make it comfortable with their bed or lots of cushions and blankets, put some of their favourite toys and treats in it, too.
- Give them access to it at all times, but never force them into it or shut them inside it.
- Make sure they have a bowl of water very near to it.
- Don’t be disheartened if they don’t use it, or choose to hide somewhere else.
- Keep an eye on them when they’re in the den, but don’t disturb them – if they’re in it, it’s likely they want to be alone.
- Never force them out of the den even if they’ve been in it for a long time – just make sure they have access to food and water.
Pheromones for cats and dogs – get started early
“Pheromones are chemical messages that animals produce to mark their territory and communicate with each other, some of which help them feel calm,” explains Nina. “You can help your pet feel extra calm on fireworks night by using a pheromone diffuser, or spray, which contains man-made ‘happy’ pheromones.
“For the best effect, plug a diffuser in a few weeks before firework season begins and keep it topped up until the season has ended. If you’re using a spray (for more immediate effect), let it settle for 15 minutes before allowing your pet into the room so all the alcohol in it has evaporated – it’s not dangerous, they just don’t like the smell.”
When to contact your vet
“If you have tried all the recommended steps and your pet is still scared of fireworks, your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help relax them on the night. These medications should only be used as a short-term solution. Speak to your vet well before fireworks season to allow yourself enough time to find the most effective medication for your pet.”
Desensitisation
“It is possible to teach your pets that firework noises aren’t frightening, this is called ‘desensitisation’, then to convince them they are a good thing, this is called ‘counterconditioning’,” explains Nina. “However, unfortunately this is not a quick process, and has to be taken slowly, so it’s unlikely to benefit your pet straight away. If your pet struggles over the next few months, talk to your vet about setting up a training program for next year.”
Step 1: Play firework sounds through a speaker at home, at a very low volume. Act normally, but watch your pet for any reaction which might indicate stress or anxiety. If they react at all, stop the session and start again the next day at a lower volume. If they seem comfortable, keep playing the sounds for a few minutes before turning them off.
Step 2: Repeat at the current volume a number of times over a few days, and if they seem completely comfortable, increase the volume slightly, and start again from step one – take this slowly, don’t rush to turn the volume up.
Step 3: Once they are completely happy with very loud firework noises and don’t react at all (desensitisation), you can start convincing them that the noises are a good thing (counterconditioning). Do this by turning on the firework sounds and giving them a treat straight away. As soon as they finish the treat, turn the sounds off. Eventually, your pet will start to associate the noises with a treat and might even start to enjoy the noises or get excited!
For more information. and to download PDSA’s free fireworks guide, visit psda.org.uk/fireworks