Pets and Fireworks: 10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Calm and Safe

Fireworks season can be a wonderful time for families, but it can be a very different experience for our animals. As Bonfire Night approaches, followed not long after by Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, many households will hear fireworks over several weeks rather than on just one evening. For owners, that means thinking ahead about pets and fireworks before the first loud bangs begin.

Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals can all be affected by sudden noises, bright flashes and vibrations. Some pets may simply seem unsettled, while others may hide, shake, pant, pace, bark, stop eating or try to escape. Because animals cannot understand what is causing the noise, fireworks can feel unpredictable and frightening.

The good news is that preparation can make a real difference. If your pet has struggled in previous years, starting early gives you more options and more time to work out what helps them feel secure. Our ten tips below cover practical ways to make fireworks season safer and less stressful for your pet.

TIP 1: MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS MICROCHIPPED

One of the most important things to consider when thinking about pets and fireworks is the risk of escape. A frightened animal may behave completely differently from normal, and even a dog with excellent recall or a cat that rarely ventures far from home may run if startled.

Make sure your pet is microchipped and check that the details linked to the chip are up to date. If you have moved house or changed your phone number or email address, update the database as soon as possible.

Dogs should also wear a secure collar and identification tag when appropriate. It is worth checking gates, fences, doors and windows before fireworks season begins, especially if you know your pet is likely to panic.

Even with good preparation, accidents can happen. A visitor may leave a door open, a gate may not close properly or a frightened pet may squeeze through a gap you had not noticed. An up-to-date microchip gives you the best possible chance of being reunited quickly.

TIP 2: START SOUND DESENSITISATION EARLY

For some animals, gradual sound desensitisation can help reduce sensitivity to fireworks. This works by introducing recorded firework sounds at a very low volume while your pet is relaxed, then slowly increasing the volume over time.

The process should be gentle and gradual. If your pet shows signs of fear, such as trembling, hiding, panting, pacing, refusing food or trying to leave the room, the sound is too intense and should be reduced.

It can help to pair quiet firework recordings with something positive, such as treats, play or a favourite activity. Over time, your pet may learn that the sounds are not always associated with something frightening.

When it comes to pets and fireworks, desensitisation is not a last-minute fix. It works best when started weeks or even months before the busiest part of fireworks season.

If your pet has a severe noise phobia, speak to your veterinary team before starting a sound programme. Some animals may need a more tailored behaviour plan alongside other forms of support.

TIP 3: CONSIDER CALMING PRODUCTS

There are a number of calming products available for pets, including nutritional supplements, calming diets, sprays, diffusers and other products designed to support relaxation. Some pets respond well to these products, while others may need additional help. Zylkene, for example, is one product that may be recommended as part of a wider approach to managing stressful situations.

The key is to start early. Some products need to be introduced several days or weeks before fireworks are expected, so waiting until Bonfire Night itself can limit your options.

If you are unsure what may be suitable for your pet, speak to your veterinary team. They can take into account your pet’s age, health, temperament and how they have reacted to fireworks in the past.

Never give your pet human medication or supplements without veterinary advice. Products that are safe for people are not always safe for animals, and some can interact with existing medication or medical conditions.

TIP 4: USE PHEROMONE PRODUCTS

Pheromone products can be useful as part of a wider plan for pets and fireworks. Products such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are designed to mimic naturally occurring chemical signals associated with familiarity and reassurance.

They are available in different forms, including plug-in diffusers and sprays. If you plan to use them, it is usually better to introduce them before fireworks season begins rather than waiting until your pet is already anxious.

A diffuser can be placed in the room where your pet spends most of their time, especially if this is also where you intend to create a safe space.

Pheromone products will not completely remove severe fear in every animal, but they can be one useful part of a broader plan that includes routine, environmental changes, behaviour support and, where appropriate, veterinary medication.

TIP 5: KEEP YOUR PETS SAFELY INDOORS

On evenings when fireworks are expected, keeping animals indoors is one of the simplest ways to improve their safety.

Cats that usually go outside should ideally be brought in before dark. Make sure windows, doors and cat flaps are secure so they cannot bolt if they hear a sudden bang.

Dogs should be walked earlier in the day wherever possible. If there is a chance of fireworks being set off unexpectedly, keep your dog securely on a lead. Even dogs that are normally calm can panic after a loud, sudden noise.

Once everyone is indoors, close windows and curtains to reduce both sound and flashes. Television, radio or familiar background music can also help mask some of the unpredictable noise.

Managing pets and fireworks safely also means making sure everyone in the household understands the plan. If you are expecting visitors, ask them to be careful when entering and leaving the house.

If your dog needs to go outside to the toilet, accompany them and keep them on a lead, even in a secure garden.

 TIP 6: CREATE A SAFE DEN OR HIDING PLACE

Many animals naturally look for somewhere quiet, dark and enclosed when they feel frightened. When managing pets and fireworks, giving them a safe place to retreat can help them feel more secure and cope with the noise.

For dogs, this might be a covered crate, a space beneath a table or a quiet corner with familiar bedding. Cats may choose a cardboard box, wardrobe, covered bed, shelf or another hidden area where they feel secure.

Try to set up the safe space before fireworks season starts so your pet has time to become familiar with it. Add bedding that smells like home, favourite toys and access to water nearby.

Do not force your pet into the space. The aim is to give them a choice. If they prefer to hide under the bed or behind the sofa and the location is safe, allow them to stay there.

Small pets, including rabbits and guinea pigs, should also have plenty of bedding and hiding areas. Being able to retreat can make a significant difference during periods of loud noise.

TIP 7: PROTECT RABBITS, GUINEA PIGS AND OTHER SMALL PETS

Advice about pets and fireworks should not focus only on cats and dogs. Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds and other small animals can also be very sensitive to loud noises and bright flashes.

If your rabbits or guinea pigs normally live outdoors, consider whether their accommodation can be safely moved into a quieter, more sheltered environment while fireworks are likely.

A suitable garage, shed or other protected space may help reduce exposure to noise and light, but make sure the area is well ventilated and free from fumes, chemicals, machinery or sudden temperature extremes.

If you cannot move the enclosure, covering part of it with thick blankets may help muffle noise and block flashes. Always make sure there is adequate ventilation and never completely seal the enclosure.

Provide extra bedding so your pet can burrow or hide. If possible, turn the enclosure away from the direction of nearby displays.

Bird cages may also benefit from partial covering, provided airflow remains good and the bird is not overheated.

TIP 8: KEEP TO A NORMAL ROUTINE

Animals often find familiar routines reassuring. When the outside world suddenly becomes loud and unpredictable, keeping everything else as normal as possible can help.

Try to stick to usual feeding times, walks and bedtime routines. Walk dogs earlier so they still get exercise without being outside during peak fireworks hours.

Offer familiar enrichment such as toys, food puzzles or chews if your pet is relaxed enough to engage with them.

It is also important to stay calm yourself. Pets can pick up on changes in our behaviour, so carry on with normal household activities as much as possible.

One common misconception about pets and fireworks is that owners should ignore frightened animals completely. If your pet comes to you for reassurance, it is fine to comfort them calmly. Sit with them, speak gently or let them stay close if that helps.

Never punish a pet for shaking, hiding, barking, toileting indoors or showing other signs of fear. These behaviours are signs of distress, not bad behaviour.

TIP 9: LET YOUR PET CHOOSE HOW TO COPE

Every pet responds differently when it comes to pets and fireworks. One dog may want to sit beside you, while another may prefer to hide under a table. One cat may stay close to the family, while another may disappear into a wardrobe for several hours.

Whenever possible, allow your pet to choose where they feel safest.

If they seek reassurance, you can offer gentle comfort. If they choose to hide, do not drag them out or repeatedly disturb them.

Make sure food, water and litter trays are easy to access. Watch your pet’s body language and be alert for signs of significant distress.

Common signs of anxiety can include trembling, panting, pacing, drooling, hiding, barking, whining, trying to escape, refusing food, toileting indoors, destructive behaviour, clinginess, withdrawal, dilated pupils or an inability to settle.

Understanding pets and fireworks means recognising that fear can look different from one animal to another. If your pet experiences severe symptoms every year, it is worth discussing this with your veterinary team well before the next major display.

TIP 10: TALK TO YOUR VETERINARY TEAM

If you already know your pet finds fireworks difficult, contact your veterinary team early.

The sooner you ask for help, the more options you may have. Your vet can discuss your pet’s previous reactions, help identify signs of anxiety and suggest a plan tailored to their individual needs.

For some pets, environmental changes, calming products and routine adjustments may be enough. Others may benefit from behavioural support or prescription medication.

Any medication should only be used under veterinary guidance and exactly as directed.

When discussing pets and fireworks with your vet, give as much detail as you can about what happens during a typical episode. Does your pet shake, hide, pace, bark, stop eating or attempt to escape? How long does it take them to settle afterwards? Has the problem become worse over time?

These details can help your vet decide what level of support may be appropriate.

Older pets may also be affected differently by fireworks. Pain, changes in hearing, cognitive changes or underlying medical conditions can influence behaviour, so mention any other changes you have noticed.

PLAN AHEAD FOR BONFIRE NIGHT AND NEW YEAR’S EVE

One of the biggest challenges with pets and fireworks is that fireworks season is often unpredictable. Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve are obvious dates to prepare for, but displays may take place on surrounding weekends, at private celebrations or at other events.

If possible, find out whether organised displays are planned near your home and make sure your pets are settled indoors before they begin.

Before the evening starts, close curtains, secure doors and windows, prepare your pet’s safe space and make sure food, water and litter trays are available.

Walk dogs earlier in the day and provide small pets with extra bedding and places to hide.

If your vet has recommended a calming product or prescribed medication, make sure you understand when and how it should be given. Do not leave this until the last minute.

A simple checklist can make the evening easier:

• Check doors, windows, gates and cat flaps.
• Walk dogs before dark.
• Close curtains and blinds.
• Put on familiar background noise.
• Prepare your pet’s den or hiding space.
• Keep water readily available.
• Make litter trays accessible.
• Give rabbits and small pets extra bedding.
• Check microchip details.
• Have any recommended products ready.

WHAT IF YOUR PET IS ALREADY SCARED OF FIREWORKS?

If your pet has struggled before, do not assume they will simply get used to fireworks over time.

Noise anxiety can sometimes become more severe, especially if an animal repeatedly experiences frightening sounds without appropriate support.

Keep a note of how your pet reacts during fireworks season. Record what signs you notice, how long they last and what seems to help. This information can be useful when discussing pets and fireworks with your vet.

You may notice that your dog starts panting before the loudest noises begin, or that your cat stops eating and hides for hours. Small details can help build a clearer picture of your pet’s anxiety.

Starting early gives you time to try appropriate strategies before the busiest nights of the year.

HELPING YOUR PET AFTER THE FIREWORKS FINISH

When it comes to pets and fireworks, some animals settle quickly once the noise ends, while others may remain anxious for several hours afterwards.

Allow your pet time to decompress. Keep the home calm, make sure fresh water is available and let them sleep or hide if they wish.

The following day, return to their normal routine. Dogs may benefit from a calm walk in a familiar area, especially if they have missed some exercise.

Before allowing pets back into the garden, check for firework debris or other hazards that may have landed overnight.

If your pet remains unusually distressed, seems unwell or shows behaviour that concerns you, contact your veterinary team for advice.

PREPARATION CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Managing pets and fireworks successfully is all about planning ahead, recognising your pet’s individual needs and giving them the safest environment possible.

Check microchip details, create a secure hiding place, plan walks and outdoor time carefully and reduce flashes and noise indoors. Consider introducing calming products in advance if they are appropriate for your pet.

Most importantly, pay attention to what your pet is telling you. Some animals will want company and reassurance, while others will feel safest hiding somewhere quiet. Give them choice, keep your own behaviour calm and never punish them for being frightened.

If you are worried about how your dog, cat, rabbit or other pet will cope this fireworks season, please speak to us. Our veterinary team can offer advice and discuss the most appropriate options for your individual pet.

The earlier you prepare, the better chance you have of helping your pet feel safe and secure throughout Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and the wider fireworks season.

Book an appointment with us today. Pets and fireworks is important to pet owners and we are here to help!