Fireworks & Pets: How to Keep Your Dogs and Cats Calm This Season

As fireworks light up the London skyline, the celebrations can be stressful for our pets. Loud bangs, flashing lights and sudden noises often cause anxiety in dogs and cats. At Petals Vets we help pet owners prepare for fireworks season so their animals can stay calm and safe.

How to Help Dogs During Fireworks

Dogs are particularly sensitive to loud sounds due to their sharp hearing. Here’s how to prepare them ahead of time.

1. Start Early:
   Use diffusers or collars, such as adaptil products, calming chews, or natural sprays like Pet Remedy a few weeks before fireworks start.

2. Create a Safe Space:
   Make a den or covered area where your dog can retreat. Add their favourite toys and a piece of clothing that smells like you for comfort.

3. Block Out Noise:
   Close windows, blinds and curtains. Play calming music or turn on the TV to drown out bangs and sirens.

4. Adjust Walks:
   Walk your dog before dusk and keep them indoors once fireworks begin.

5. Comfort Calmly:
   If your dog seeks reassurance, stay calm and normal. Avoid over-fussing, as this can reinforce fear.

If your dog has severe anxiety, you can contact us to discuss prescription medication or calming support.

Helping Cats Cope with Fireworks

Cats can also suffer from noise anxiety, though they often hide their fear.

1. Keep Cats Indoors:
   Once it’s dark, ensure your cat is safely indoors. Keep microchip details updated and lock cat flaps at night.

2. Make Home a Haven:
   Provide litter trays, water and food bowls indoors. Allow full access to hiding spots, don’t confine them to one room.

3. Mask the Noise:
   Play soothing background music (classical music often helps) to reduce the impact of loud bangs.

4. Use Calming Products:
   Feliway diffusers, Pet Remedy sprays or calming treats can help cats feel more relaxed.

Desensitisation Training: Long-Term Firework Support

The best way to reduce pet fear of fireworks is gradual desensitisation by teaching them that firework sounds aren’t scary.

• Play recordings of fireworks at very low volume while rewarding calm behaviour with treats or play.

• Gradually increase the volume over days or weeks, ensuring your pet stays relaxed.

• Always associate the sounds with positive experiences like food, cuddles or games.

Training should ideally begin before fireworks season. This technique, recommended by behaviour specialists and Domes Pharma’s noise anxiety guide, helps pets stay calm for life.

Recognising Noise Anxiety

Signs of firework anxiety can include:

• Trembling, shaking, or hiding

• Pacing or restlessness

• Panting, drooling, or vocalising

• Attempting to escape or cling to owners

• Loss of appetite or toileting accidents

If your pet shows these symptoms, contact your vet. Medication or behavioural therapy can make a big difference.

Final Tips from Petals Vets

Don’t punish fearful behaviour, your pet isn’t being “naughty.”

• Stay calm and act normally, your reassurance helps them feel safe.

• Seek professional help early if your pet’s anxiety worsens each year.

At Petals Vets right here in Surrey Quays / Canada Water, London, we can advise on calming supplements, desensitisation plans, and medical support. Book a fireworks consultation to help your pet enjoy a calmer, happier season.