For many of us, fireworks are the highlight of celebrations like the Fourth of July or Diwali. But while we enjoy the show, our pets might feel scared, confused, or even panicked by the loud bangs and flashing lights.
Dogs and cats, in particular, have much more sensitive hearing than humans, so fireworks can feel overwhelming to them.
Some may just hide, while others might try to run away or damage furniture in their panic. The good news? You can do several simple things to help your pets stay calm and safe during fireworks.
Create a Safe Space for Your Pet
When fireworks start, many pets will try to find a dark, quiet spot to hide. As a pet parent, you can help by preparing a calm place for them ahead of time:
- Choose a quiet room or a closet with no windows.
- Place their bed or crate inside and cover it with a blanket to block out noise and lights.
- Let them hide if that’s what makes them feel safe. Some pets don’t want to be comforted during stress, and that’s okay.
- Check in on them now and then to make sure they’re alright.
Comforting Techniques That Can Help
If your pet prefers being near you, use these easy tips to help reduce their anxiety:
- Close windows and curtains to muffle outside noise.
- Play background sounds like soft music or TV at a slightly higher volume than usual. Avoid playing it too loud, which might make things worse.
- Run a fan or air conditioner. The white noise can help mask the fireworks.
- Give them something to chew. A tough chew toy or treat can help distract them and relieve stress.
- Wrap them in a blanket. The pressure can feel comforting and safe.
Helpful Products to Calm Pets
If your pet regularly struggles with anxiety during fireworks, consider trying these pet-friendly calming tools:
- ThunderShirt: A snug-fitting shirt for pets that applies gentle pressure and can be very calming. Train your pet to wear it during calm times first.
- Pheromones: Use calming sprays or diffusers like Adaptil (for dogs) or Feliway (for cats). These release natural comforting scents that pets respond to.
- Calming music: Devices like iCalmPet offer pet-specific music designed to soothe nervous animals.
Training Your Pet to Be Less Afraid of Fireworks
Besides short-term fixes, you can also try training your pet to become less scared of fireworks in the long run. Two proven techniques are desensitization and counterconditioning:
Desensitization Training
- Start by playing recordings of fireworks or thunder at a very low volume.
- Gradually increase the volume over time as long as your pet remains calm.
- Keep sessions short and stop if your pet seems uncomfortable.
Counterconditioning
- Pair the sound of fireworks (played at a low volume) with something your pet loves—like a stuffed Kong or a special treat.
- The goal is to help your pet associate the scary sound with something positive.
- Only give the special treat when the sound is playing.
This type of training takes time and patience, so it’s best to start weeks or even months before an event. For best results, you may want to consult a pet behaviourist or a certified dog trainer.
Fireworks can be a nightmare for many pets, but with a bit of planning and care, you can help make things easier for them. Creating a safe space, using calming aids, and training techniques like desensitisation can all go a long way in helping your furry friend feel more secure.
Every pet is different, so pay attention to what works best for yours—and remember, your calm presence is often the biggest comfort of all.
