Keeping Your Pet Safe During Firework Season
As the weather cools down and nights get darker, many pet owners are only too aware that this means firework season is approaching. Although a well-managed display can be a pleasure to watch, unfortunately for most of us fireworks mean unexpected loud noises, flashes of light, and weeks of worry.
“How can I support my pet during firework season?” is one of the questions most commonly asked to vets in Autumn. Thankfully, for most pets, changes at home are enough to settle their nerves and see them through. For a small number of pets, the fear is severe and is a genuine noise phobia. This can be harder to manage but treatment is possible.
What are fireworks?
Fireworks are low-explosive pyrotechnics used around the world to celebrate cultural and religious festivities. In the UK, they are traditionally used to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, on 5th November. They are also commonly used to celebrate other winter festivities, such as Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Chinese New Year. Laws have been tightened in the UK since 2005, with fireworks only allowed to be sold between set dates, and to people over the age of 18. Unfortunately, this does not stop fireworks being let off outside of displays throughout the winter months. There is increasing popularity for “silent fireworks” as these are less noisy, but not completely silent
In 2023, there were approximately 12 million dogs in the UK, living in just over 30% of households[1]. Studies in both the UK and New Zealand have reported that approximately half of dogs show some behavioural signs of fear when exposed to fireworks or similar loud sounds[2], suggesting up to 6 million dogs in the UK could be experiencing fear during firework season[3]. This is a major concern, and one which has prompted the Dogs Trust to conduct a study in conjunction with the University of Salford, aiming to better understand dog behaviour in response to firework noise[4]. Check out a summary of the study's findings so far.
One study asked over 1200 dog owners living around the world to complete a survey to explore the severity and progression of firework fears[5]. As in previous studies, approximately half the dogs showed some signs of fear response. Of these, over 50% returned to normal behaviour within an hour or less of hearing the fireworks. Many more were back to normal the following day, with approximately 5% of dogs taking a week or more to fully return to normal. If we consider that fireworks may be heard on multiple consecutive nights, it is essential we do everything we can to lessen the impact on our canine friends.
How to help at home
When we know that fireworks are likely to occur, we can modify our pets’ environment and routine to reduce the impact. Some simple changes around the house can help reduce stress for both dogs, cats and small pets. All pets should be moved or kept inside the house from dusk until the following morning. Not only can bonfires and fireworks injure pets if they get too close, but sudden loud noises can cause them to panic, increasing the number of traffic accidents, escaped pets and fights between pets kept together. If your dog has to miss some walks for a few weeks don’t worry; safety is more important.
Try to keep a relatively stable routine in the lead-up, and once fireworks do start, try and act as normally as possible. Shut any curtains or blinds to block flashes of light. Having background noise such as the TV, radio or music won’t stop your dog hearing the fireworks but can help reduce the impact of a sudden, loud noise. Pets will look to you for reassurance, and seeing you carry on as usual can help them understand that there is nothing to worry about.
Not all pets will want to hide, but it is helpful to make a safe space that they can retreat in to if they choose. Ideally this will smell familiar and be in a room they would choose to spend time in. A dog crate is ideal; cover with a thick blanket and add a comfy bed and one or two favourite toys, or some treats. Cats may choose to hide under a bed or sofa, but cardboard boxes will often be gratefully received. If your pet has a hiding place they prefer, move food and water nearby so they don’t have to leave this area until they feel confident enough to come out.
- Walk them before dark so they are home before any fireworks start
- If there is any possibility of fireworks going off make sure collars/harnesses are tight enough and don’t allow them off-lead
- Make sure identity tags and microchip details are up to date so that if pets do run off, they are able to be reunited with you
- Use food-stuffed toys like a Kong to distract from the noise
- If cats normally toilet outside, introduce a litter tray a few weeks before fireworks so they are used to this option
- Make sure litter trays are easily accessible from their chosen hiding place; covered trays are preferable to open ones
- In multi-cat households consider whether cats are better kept in separate rooms, as close confinement can be more stressful
- Make sure identity tags and microchip details are up to date so that if pets do escape, they can be reunited with you
- Make sure cages are not placed near windows as this will increase noise
- Placing a towel over the cage can help muffle loud sounds
- Don’t be tempted to get small pets out to handle; they are more likely to nip or jump and be injured
Pets do not understand what fireworks are, and seeing them from a distance or up close will not help reduce a fear response. Never force your dog to watch fireworks through a window, take them to a display, or leave them outside. This would not only be traumatic as they cannot get away from the source of the fear, but carries a huge risk of injury or escape
Never punish your dog for showing signs of fear, even if the symptoms are things they “should know better”, such as being destructive or toileting in the house. During a time of extreme fear, the brain can bypass logical thinking or known rules, and instead is focussed purely on survival. Your dog has not suddenly decided to ignore or unlearn rules they once knew, and punishing them will not prevent the same behaviours if they are exposed to an extreme fear again. Instead, we need to work on reducing their fear so that they remain calm and in control, and fully aware of their training. It is also important that you are seen as a safe space, and a person they can trust; becoming angry can damage this bond.
