8 Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pet Calm During Fireworks
25th October 2024
Bonfire Night can be exciting for us, but for pets, the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be overwhelming. With a little planning, you can make the night easier for your furry friends. Here are eight expert tips to help them stay calm and comfortable during fireworks.
1. Walk Your Dog Early
Take your dog for a long walk earlier in the day, before the fireworks start. This ensures they get plenty of exercise and don’t need to go outside when the fireworks are in full swing. Tiring them out with physical activity can also make them more relaxed later on.
2. Create a Cosy Indoor Space
Keep your pets inside once the fireworks begin. Make sure to close the curtains or blinds to block out the bright lights. Create a safe, quiet space where they can retreat if they feel scared. For some pets, this might be a crate with comfortable bedding; for others, a quiet corner of the house will do.
3. Bring Hutched Pets Indoors
Consider bringing outdoor pets like rabbits or guinea pigs indoors, or to a quieter, sheltered location that offers protection from sound and light. Covering their cages or hutches with blankets can also help reduce noise and vibrations.
4. Mask the Noise with Calming Sounds
To help drown out the sound of fireworks, play soft, soothing music. Research has shown that genres like classical, reggae, and soft rock can help reduce stress in pets. The sound will provide a familiar distraction and mask the loud bangs outside.
5. Use Gentle Massage Techniques
A calming massage can help relax your pet when they’re feeling anxious. For dogs, gently massaging the ears is a simple technique that can soothe them. It activates calming points, helping them to feel more secure and less jittery.
6. Stay Calm Yourself
Pets are highly sensitive to their owner’s emotions, so it’s important that you remain calm. If you act anxious or stressed, your pet will likely pick up on your mood and feel the same way. Speak in soothing tones and avoid making sudden movements to reassure them.
7. Respect Their Coping Style
Not all pets react the same way to fireworks, and it’s important to respect your pet’s individual coping mechanisms. Some pets may prefer to hide in a safe spot, while others might want to be near you for comfort. Let your pet respond in their own way and be patient with their needs.
8. Consult Your Vet for Extra Help
If your pet becomes extremely distressed during fireworks, consider talking to your vet. They can recommend anti-anxiety medications or other calming aids that may help. There are also natural remedies like pheromone diffusers or supplements that could reduce your pet’s stress levels.
“There are many anti-stress and pheromone treatments available that can help to calm and relax your pets. Some pets may respond well to herbal treatments such as Nutracalm, others may require prescription medication.” Advises Vet Sophie Bell.
“Thunder shirts act by swaddling your pet which applies pressure to their body and can release lovely hormones such as oxytocin and endorphins. It won’t be affective for all. You can also try noise cancelling headphones made for dogs, these can also help a number of those affected.” Says Sophie.
Sophie explains, “Be sure to manage to stress, especially for pets with particular health conditions such as Addison’s disease, epilepsy, and heart disease all of which can be triggered or worsened when under stress.”
By following these tips, you can help make Bonfire Night a little less stressful for your pets. A bit of preparation and extra care can go a long way in keeping them calm, comfortable, and safe.
For more helpful pet care advice, visit:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/get-involved/our-campaigns/fireworks-leaflet/your-free-fireworks-guide
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks
